ABS releases guide for methanol-powered vessels
The American Bureau of Shipping has framed classification criteria for vessels run on methanol or ethanol with an eye on lowering risk to ships, crew and the environment.
PHOTO: Maersk has ordered 13 dual-fuel methanol-compatible container ships. Maersk
The guide is based on the IMO’s ‘Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel’ which contain provisions on how to arrange, install, control and manage equipment on ships run on these fuels. ABS provides guidance on design, construction, and survey of vessels using methanol or ethanol as fuel.
ABS believes methanol holds great promise as a potential zero-emission bunker fuel that is set to be more widely adopted along with hydrogen, ammonia and other fuels.
Guidelines include suggestions on bunkering hose design, gas detectors, ventilation for bunkering stations as well as fire extinguishers suitable to put out flames emanating from methanol or ethanol.
ABS suggests keeping an “emergency shutdown facility” to stop bunker flow in the event of an emergency on board.
The guide is based on the ABS’s experience with multiple methanol-fuelled projects across vessel categories, says Patrick Ryan, senior vice president, global engineering and technology at ABS.
It applies to both newbuilds and retrofits on existing vessels, “regardless of size.” Vessels of less than 500 mt gross tonnage using methanol or ethanol as fuel are also covered by it.
Several maritime players are in the process of developing and building methanol-powered vessels and engines.
Container logistics giant Maersk has ordered large 12 methanol-powered container ships from Hyundai Heavy Industries. It plans to put them into use by mid-2025. These ships will follow suit from another smaller methanol-powered liner vessel that would to be the first of its kind when it is expected to come into operation next year.
Engine-maker Rolls-Royce is developing methanol-compatible engines for commercial ships and yachts.
Meanwhile, US-based Maritime Partners plans to operate the world’s first methanol-run towboat, the M/V Hydrogen One, in 2023.
