DNV on IMO CCC 12: Revised guidelines for methanol as marine fuel

Classification society DNV on Monday (21 September) highlighted progress made on several regulatory and technical matters at the 12th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 12), held from 14 to 18 September. 

This includes alternative fuels, cargo securing, onboard carbon capture systems, and battery carriage: 

Amendments to the IGF Code and development of guidelines for alternative fuels and related technologies

Methyl/ethyl alcohols

CCC 12 finalized the revision of the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1621). The amendments revise all sections of the existing guidelines, taking into account experience gained to date.

The revised guidelines:

• provide more flexibility in fuel tank placement and leakage-handling arrangements;
• introduce a new concept for ventilation of fuel spaces;
• expand guidance on the design of bunkering stations and fire extinguishing; and
• add new guidance on bunkering operations and personal protective equipment.

Low-flashpoint oil fuels

CCC 12 continued work on the interim guidelines for ships using low-flashpoint oil fuels (fuel with a flashpoint between 52°C and 60°C). It was agreed not to develop detailed provisions for the “temperature-controlled engine room concept” but focus on a safety concept more aligned with the existing guidelines under the IGF code, however with major simplifications of the safety barriers. Work on the interim guidelines will continue in a Correspondence Group aiming for finalization at CCC 13 in 2027.  

Fuel cell power installations and IGF Code amendments

The revision of the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Fuel Cell Power Installations (MSC.1/Circ.1647), and other proposals for amendments to the IGF Code were not discussed in detail, but work will continue in a Correspondence Group reporting to CCC 13 in 2027.  

Development of a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships using new technologies and alternative fuels

Onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS)

CCC 12 started the discussion to develop guidelines for the safety of ships fitted with OCCS. The guidelines should contain a technology-neutral main body for common ship-level requirements, while technology-specific safety requirements will be placed in individual annexes. Work on the guidelines will continue in a Correspondence Group reporting to CCC 13 in 2027. The guidelines are expected to be finalized in 2028.

Note: The full technical and regulatory news by DNV can be found here. 

Photo credit: Chris Pagan on Unsplash
Published: 22 September, 2026