DNV launches competence standards for use of methanol and ammonia as bunker fuel

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (18 December) released a competence standard (ST) for methanol and a recommended practice (RP) for ammonia to enhance the safe use of the products as bunker fuel for ships.

The DNV-ST-0687 “Competence related to the use of methanol as fuel” published in October, and the DNV-RP-0699 “Competence related to the use of ammonia as fuel,” published in December, apply to shipboard crew on vessels using methanol or ammonia as marine fuel.

They clearly outline the expected competencies for using these fuels onboard, enabling the assessment and verification of an individual’s knowledge and skills to ensure they can operate and maintain systems and equipment safely.

DNV collaborated with OSM Thome and Northern Marine when developing the ST and Amon Maritime, Azane Fuel solutions, Yara Clean Ammonia, Wärtsilä, Kongsberg Maritime and Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement/ Ula Ship Management when developing the ammonia RP.

“Embracing new fuels and technologies is essential to achieving our decarbonisation goals, but these advancements introduce new risks, adding complexity to an already challenging operating environment,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO DNV Maritime.

“To obtain a safe, timely, and impactful maritime transformation, we need to ensure safe operations by supporting both our seafarers and onshore personnel. Competence development is crucial for managing the transition safely and avoiding a safety gap that could put crew, assets, the environment, and our decarbonization efforts at risk.”

For more information on DNV’s new RP and ST, visit www.dnv.com/rules-standards/

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 27 December 2024