As methanol gains ground as a marine fuel, the Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published new guidelines to help companies develop or adapt Safety Management Systems for methanol-fuelled ships. Developed in collaboration with BIMCO and other key stakeholders, the guidance translates methanol-specific risks into practical, ISM Code-aligned recommendations for shipboard and shore-based safety management. It provides a useful reference for both early adopters and companies preparing for a more diverse marine fuel landscape.
Building on earlier alternative fuel work
The publication continues MTF’s work on the safe introduction of alternative marine fuels, supported by BIMCO and other leading organisations. It builds on the broader Guidelines for developing and implementing a Safety Management System for alternative fuels and follows the publication of dedicated guidance for ammonia-fuelled ships.
While the principles of the ISM Code remain applicable irrespective of the fuel used, each alternative fuel introduces different hazards, operating arrangements and competence requirements. The new publication therefore considers how established safety management principles should be applied specifically to methanol.
Managing methanol-specific risks
Methanol is increasingly being considered as a marine fuel because it can be stored as a liquid under ambient conditions and may be handled using infrastructure and operational arrangements broadly comparable with those for conventional liquid fuels. Its potential contribution to decarbonisation, however, depends on how the methanol is produced.
Methanol also presents safety challenges that companies need to address within their safety management systems. These include its toxicity, low flashpoint and the difficulty of detecting its vapour and flame without appropriate equipment. Effective procedural controls, risk assessments and emergency arrangements are therefore essential.
The guidelines address these considerations across the main functional areas of an SMS, including operational procedures, emergency preparedness, maintenance, competence and training, management of change, incident reporting, auditing and continual improvement.
The recommendations are aligned with the ISM Code but remain risk-based and adaptable, recognising that ship designs, fuel systems and operational profiles may differ significantly.
Supporting people as well as technology
The guidelines place particular emphasis on the human element. Companies should assess competence, training, familiarisation and resource requirements according to the roles and responsibilities of both shipboard and shore-based personnel.
This is especially important during the early adoption of a new fuel, when operational experience may be limited and crews may need to manage conventional fuels and methanol simultaneously. The guidelines therefore encourage companies to establish versatile SMS arrangements that can support mixed-fuel operations without creating unclear responsibilities or inconsistent procedures.
Learning from operational experience
As experience with methanol-fuelled ships continues to develop, the guidelines emphasise the importance of organisational learning and continuous improvement. Companies are encouraged to capture and assess information from hazardous occurrences, near-misses, equipment failures and accidents, and to use those lessons to update risk assessments, procedures and training.
A strong reporting culture will be essential to ensure that emerging risks are identified early and that experience gained by pioneering projects contributes to safer implementation across the wider industry.
Preparing for a changing fuel landscape
The guidelines offer a useful resource not only for companies already operating or ordering methanol-fuelled ships, but also for organisations assessing future fuel options. Early consideration of competence, emergency response, management of change and shore-side support can help companies identify organisational needs before a vessel enters service.
BIMCO continues to engage with industry partners and at the International Maritime Organization to support a safe, practical and proportionate transition to alternative fuels. The new MTF guidelines provide companies with a structured basis for ensuring that their safety management arrangements evolve alongside the fuels and technologies used on board.