A new milestone in the maritime energy transition was reached this month as ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) announced the completion of an EMSA‑commissioned report on ammonia safety, developed in collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and Fundación Valenciaport. The study provides critical insights into the safety challenges of ammonia as a marine fuel—an energy carrier expected to play a significant role in the decarbonization of global shipping.
The report expands on existing interim IMO guidelines for ammonia‑fueled vessels and integrates feedback gathered through industry surveys and technical workshops. Key findings emphasize the need for:
- A deeper scientific understanding of ammonia’s properties,
- Improved risk‑assessment methodologies,
- Clearer safety systems and performance standards, and
- Better guidance for ports preparing for ammonia bunkering operations.
“This work highlights the importance of rigorous, transparent research as the industry explores low‑ and zero‑carbon fuel pathways,” NTUA representatives stressed, while Fundación Valenciaport noted the urgency for port authorities to prepare for future ammonia handling.
You can read the full ABS press release here:
👉 https://pressreleases.eagle.org/news/abs-delivers-new-report-for-emsa-on-ammonia-safety
