New study by MMMCZCS and Lloyd’s Register highlights safeguards for ammonia-fuelled vessels
The joint study states the importance of implementing technical and operational safeguards to mitigate risks associated with using ammonia as marine fuel.
PHOTO: Model of ammonia storage tanks. Getty Images
The study conducted by Lloyd’s Register (LR) Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) has revealed that use of ammonia as an alternative marine fuel poses certain safety hazards, including high toxic levels. However, these risks can be mitigated by implementing some safeguards.
"The study has found that a range of mitigation methods, from ship design to crew training and operations, are required to keep toxicity risks to the crew within published tolerable limits,” MMMCZCS said.
It has made some recommendations for the design and operation of ammonia-fuelled vessels that can help reduce safety issues.
Key recommendations:
- Lower storage temperature to reduce the safety risk.
- Provision for two or more separate spaces containing different groups of equipment that could leak ammonia.
- Monitor and minimise access to and length of time spent in spaces containing ammonia equipment.
- Ventilation outlets from spaces containing ammonia equipment placed in a safe location, adequately separated from areas accessed by the crew.
- Installation of multiple sensors of different types to detect ammonia leaks.
The study has also revealed some insights from an analysis of human factors and considerations that will be impacted by a transition to ammonia fuel use, including:
- Competence and training are needed to improve safety on ammonia-fuelled vessels.
- Safe work practices and standard procedures need to be implemented through systematic change management programs.
- Effective occupational health safeguards, such as personal protective equipment (PPE).
MMMCZCS and LR have been involved in a number of ammonia-related projects. LR is conducting feasibility studies on clean ammonia refueling in Western Australia, while MMMCZCS is involved in establishing a green ammonia ship-to-ship bunkering supply chain at the Port of Singapore.
By Aparupa Mazumder
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