BIMCO poll: Tanker industry express growing interest in ammonia as bunker fuel
- Published
by Admin
International shipping association BIMCO on Tuesday (17 June) said a series of live polls at the 10th BIMCO Tanker Safety Network meeting showed over half of respondents (52%) identified ammonia as the most viable fuel pathway by 2040.
BIMCO said the result reflected growing interest in its zero-carbon potential despite known safety challenges.
The meeting, held on 12 June, brought together tanker safety professionals and technical experts to assess the risks and realities of operating with alternative fuels. As the sector moves deeper into decarbonisation, ensuring the safe, scalable, and practical use of multiple fuel options is a pressing concern for tanker operators.
Live poll results captured the pulse of the industry, revealing optimism about fuel options, but also caution about readiness, safety, and regulatory support.
When asked about top operational concerns, 38% of respondents pointed to bunkering compatibility and 28% to onboard safety risks, signalling that practical implementation remains a critical hurdle.
Confidence in the safety of alternative fuels was most strongly associated with technological maturity and system reliability, selected by 57% of participants.
However, readiness levels told a different story: 69% reported being only moderately prepared to handle alternative fuels, with planning underway but full operational capability still developing. A striking 80% of attendees flagged “all of the above” when asked about key training gaps—citing the need for improvements across STCW revisions, safety culture, and design awareness.
Views on nuclear propulsion were split, with 52% considering it viable but facing acceptance and regulatory barriers. Finally, 56% of respondents identified the lack of guidance on inherently safer ship design as the most pressing regulatory shortfall.
“This data underscores a shared concern: while decarbonisation is inevitable, the current safety and training ecosystem is not yet fit-for-purpose,” BIMCO said.
Note: The full insight on BIMCO’s 10th Tanker Safety Network meeting can be read here.
Photo credit: BIMCO
Published: 20 June, 2025
