New Methanol Safety Guidelines Released to Help Shipping Industry Navigate Alternative Marine Fuels
As the global shipping industry accelerates its transition toward cleaner marine fuels, the Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has introduced a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to help shipowners and operators develop robust Safety Management Systems (SMS) for methanol-fuelled vessels. Developed in collaboration with BIMCO and other leading maritime organizations, the guidance provides practical recommendations aligned with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code to improve safety both onboard ships and ashore.
The newly released guidance is intended to support companies already operating methanol-powered ships, as well as those preparing for future investments in alternative fuel technologies. It translates the unique operational and safety risks associated with methanol into practical procedures covering vessel operations, emergency preparedness, crew training, maintenance, incident reporting, audits, and continuous improvement.
According to BIMCO, the publication builds upon previous industry guidance on alternative marine fuels and follows earlier recommendations developed for ammonia-fuelled ships. While the ISM Code provides a universal framework for maritime safety, the organization noted that every alternative fuel presents different operational challenges, making fuel-specific safety management increasingly important.
Methanol is attracting growing attention as a low-carbon marine fuel because it can be stored as a liquid under normal atmospheric conditions and handled using infrastructure similar to that used for conventional liquid fuels. However, its overall environmental benefits depend on how the methanol is produced, while its physical properties introduce several safety considerations that require careful management.
According to BIMCO, methanol presents hazards including toxicity, a low flashpoint, and flames and vapours that can be difficult to detect without specialized equipment. The guidance therefore recommends comprehensive risk assessments, effective operational procedures, emergency response planning, and appropriate safety controls to minimize risks during shipboard operations.
The document also places strong emphasis on the human element of maritime safety. Companies are encouraged to assess the competence, training, familiarization, and resource requirements of both onboard crews and shore-based personnel. This becomes particularly important during the early stages of methanol adoption, when many vessels may operate using both conventional fuels and methanol, requiring clear responsibilities and consistent operational procedures.
Read: Op-Ed: Methanol, Ethanol, and Biofuels: Steering the Maritime Industry toward Energy Resilience
The guidelines further encourage shipping companies to establish strong reporting systems that capture hazardous occurrences, near-misses, equipment failures, and accidents. Lessons learned from operational experience should be used to update safety procedures, risk assessments, and crew training programs, helping improve safety standards as the industry’s experience with methanol-powered vessels continues to grow.
According to BIMCO, the recommendations are designed to remain flexible and risk-based, recognizing that vessel designs, fuel systems, and operational profiles differ across the global fleet. Early planning for crew competence, emergency preparedness, management of change, and shore-side support can help organizations prepare effectively before methanol-fuelled vessels enter service.
The latest guidance forms part of the maritime industry’s broader efforts to support the safe adoption of alternative fuels while advancing global decarbonization goals. BIMCO said it will continue working with industry partners and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to promote practical, proportionate, and safe implementation of emerging marine fuel technologies.
