Classification society DNV on Saturday (7 December) shared a statutory news article that provides a summary of the 109th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) including adopted amendments to the IGC Code to enable the use of ammonia cargo as fuel and approved draft interim guidelines for ammonia as a marine fuel.

The following is an excerpt from the news update relating to bunker fuels:

The 109th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) was held from 2 to 6 December 2024. Amendments to the IGC Code to enable the use of ammonia cargo as fuel were adopted, and interim guidelines for the general use of ammonia as fuel were approved. The IGF Code was amended to improve the safety of ships using natural gas as fuel. MSC 109 further approved draft SOLAS amendments to enhance the safety of pilot transfer arrangements and progress was made on the new safety code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships.

Meeting highlights

• Adopted amendments to the IGC Code to enable the use of ammonia cargo as fuel
• Adopted amendments to the IGF Code for ships using natural gas as fuel
• Approved draft interim guidelines for ammonia as fuel
• Approved draft amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23 and the related performance standards to improve the safety of pilot transfer arrangements
• Advanced the non-mandatory Code on Maritime Autono- mous Surface Ships (MASS)

Amendments to mandatory instruments 

Ammonia cargo as fuel (IGC Code) MSC 109 adopted amendments to Paragraph 16.9.2 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) to enable the use of ammonia as fuel on ammonia carriers.

An MSC circular to encourage the voluntary early implementation of the amendments to Chapter 16 was approved. 

The amendments will enter into force on 1 July 2026.

Safety of ships using natural gas as fuel (IGF Code)

MSC 109 adopted amendments to the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), based on experience with the code since its entry into force in 2017.

The amendments include:

• Clarified application provisions
• Alignment with the IGC Code on suction wells for fuel tanks extending below the lowermost boundary of the tank
• Alignment with the IGC Code on discharge from pressure relief valves to discharge to tanks under certain conditions
• Clarified requirements to fire insulation for deck structures in relation to fuel tanks on open deck
• Clarified requirements for hazardous ducts through non-hazardous spaces and vice versa
• Updated requirements for the hazardous zone radius for fuel tank vent mast outlets, increasing to 6 metres for zone 1 and 4 metres for zone 2

The amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2028.

Goal-based new ship construction standards

Goal-based standards (GBS) for the new construction of bulk carriers and oil tankers are, conceptually, the IMO’s rules for class rules. Under the GBS, IMO auditors use guidelines to verify the construction rules for bulk carriers and oil tankers of class societies acting as Recognized Organizations (Resolution MSC.454(100)).

Initial GBS verification of Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (BKI) BKI has requested GBS verification of their ship construction rules for bulk carries and oil tankers. MSC 109 agreed that the BKI rules comply with the GBS, provided non-conformities and observations are rectified and verified in a new audit.

North Atlantic wave data (IACS Recommendation No. 34, Revision 2) MSC 109 noted that IACS is currently undertaking a review of its Common Structural Rules (CSR) for bulk carriers and oil

tankers to reflect advances in data, materials, technologies and calculation methodologies. The CSR are implemented in the individual class rules of the IACS members, which are subject to compliance with the GBS.

MSC 109 further noted that IACS has now issued a revision of the North Atlantic wave data to ensure more scientific data as a basis for the rule formulas in the CSR. The new scatter diagram in Revision 2 of IACS Recommendation No. 34 shows the probability of occurrence of different sea states and is based on wave data from advanced hindcast wave models combined with ships’ AIS data for all SOLAS vessels in the period from 2013 to 2020.

MSC 109 agreed that an observation from the initial CSR audit in 2015, that the scatter diagram in Revision 1 of IACS Recommendation No. 34 was based on past statistics, was now considered addressed.

MSC 109 further invited IACS to provide more information about the assumptions, modelling and technical background for Revision 2 of IACS Recommendation No. 34, and agreed that the GBS audit of the revision to follow should be carried out in conjunction with the consequential rule changes in the CSR.

New technologies and alternative fuels 

Identification of gaps in current IMO instruments MSC 109 continued its consideration of potential alternative fuels and new technologies to support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships from a safety perspective. The intention is to identify safety obstacles, barriers and gaps in the current IMO instruments that may impede the use of the various alter- native fuels and new technologies.

MSC 109 agreed to add “swappable traction lithium-ion battery containers” to the list of alternative fuels and new technologies. The list already includes fuels and technologies such as ammonia, hydrogen, fuel cell power installations, nuclear power, solar power, wind power, lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitor energy storage technology.

Recommendations to address each of the identified barriers and gaps in the IMO regulatory framework will be considered in a Correspondence Group until MSC 110 (June 2025). Application of the IGF Code

MSC 109 agreed on draft amendments to SOLAS to clarify that the IGF Code applies to ships using gaseous fuels, whether they are low-flashpoint or not. The term “gaseous fuels” was added to the definitions in SOLAS Regulation II-1/2 and to the application provisions of SOLAS Regulations II-1/56 and 57.

The draft amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2027, subject to adoption by MSC 110 (June 2025).

Carriage of cargoes and containers

Ammonia as fuel

MSC 109 approved draft interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel.

Ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk (IGC Code)

MSC approved draft amendments to the IGC Code to incorporate the large number of Unified Interpretations developed since the latest major review of the code, which entered into force in 2016. The primary objective of the draft amendments is to remove ambiguity and promote the consistent implementation of the IGC Code requirements.

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Published: 9 December, 2024

The approximate 200 bunker tankers operating at the world’s largest bunkering port are a prime candidate for electrification, believes the Managing Director of marinEV, a business within Yinson GreenTech, the green technologies unit of Malaysia-listed Yinson Holdings Berhad.

Jan-Viggo Johansen was speaking to Manifold Times on the sidelines of Offshore Energy Week (OSEA) 2024 when he noted Singapore bunker tankers primarily operating over short distances within port waters and nearby shipping lanes, making them promising candidates for electric or hybrid-electric propulsion.

“These vessels spend a significant portion of their time at port, transferring marine fuel to docked or anchored ships, and are not required to undertake long-haul journeys,” he explained.

“This operational profile allows them to leverage charging infrastructure during docked periods or quick turnarounds.

“Electrification is particularly viable for vessels designed for short trips between terminals, shipyards, and anchored ships within Singapore’s waters, presenting a strong opportunity to adopt more sustainable propulsion systems.”

Electrification of bunker tankers at the republic presents both opportunities and challenges, added Johansen.

“One key challenge is the higher upfront capital cost compared to conventional fuel-powered vessels, driven primarily by the expense of battery systems and retrofitting existing fleets. However, the short operational distances typical of Singapore’s bunker tanker market could accelerate economic viability. Operators can gain returns on investment through reduced fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs, and potential access to regulatory incentives,” he said.

“On the opportunity front, electrification enhances the environmental profile of companies within the sector. As the global shipping industry increasingly prioritises sustainability, the ability to operate electric-powered vessels provides a competitive advantage. Bunker suppliers and operators can leverage this shift to meet the growing demand for green shipping solutions while aligning with international sustainability goals.”

Johansen, meanwhile, shared Yinson GreenTech's marinEV division has been collaborating with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to advance high-power DC charging solutions, including the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), within Singapore's ports.

MCS technology is designed to deliver large amounts of energy in significantly shorter durations, catering to the charging needs of larger vessels such as ferries and harbour tugs which rely on substantial battery capacity and require rapid turnarounds to ensure operational efficiency and flexibility.

“The strong support from MPA, enthusiasm from industry leaders in adopting greener practices in their operations and the substantial commercial and environmental benefits have positively charged the growth of electrified solutions in the marine space over the past few years,” stated Johansen.

“We are proud to be part of an innovative maritime community working towards cleaner port waters through vessel electrification and developing MCS charging infrastructure to support the growth of electric vessels in the industry. “

Manifold Times earlier reported Yinson GreenTech launching Singapore’s first fully electric hydrofoil vessel, the Hydroglyder, at OSEA 2024.

Related: Yinson GreenTech reveals Singapore’s first fully electric hydrofoil vessel
Related: Goal Zero Consortium launches Singapore’s first electric cargo vessel Hydromover

Photo credit: Yinson GreenTech
Published: 26 November 2024

Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry, on Tuesday (19 November) announced a new SGD100 million support package for marine and offshore engineering companies.

The package is aimed at fostering partnership and adopting solutions in growth areas including offshore wind, floating storage, and digitalisation over the next five years.

With the accelerating pace of the energy transition, Tan emphasised Singapore’s commitment to becoming a greener economy, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the nation's Green Plan. 

Tan graced OSEA 2024 in Singapore where the three-day tradeshow welcomed more than 500 exhibitors and 15,000+ attendees from 100 countries, providing a comprehensive look at solutions and strategies driving the energy transition in the marine and offshore industries.

As part of the OSEA Gives Back initiative, complimentary conference access was extended to members of the broader community. This initiative is designed to promote inclusivity by providing opportunities for diverse participants to engage with industry leaders, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on innovative solutions. 

The conference emphasised the urgent need to accelerate the energy transition and foster global collaboration. Speakers highlighted the competitive advantage of adopting solutions now to meet regulatory targets, while stressing the need for faster adoption of transformative technologies, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), alternative fuels and digital innovations for automation and efficiency.

Prof. Chan Eng Soon, Chairman for the OSEA Advisory Committee and Chief Executive Officer at Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore (TCOMS) commented on OSEA being at the forefront of innovation and driving sustainability. He said: “There is work still to be done; we must embrace the energy transition, collaborate, and learn from each other, because we all play a role in the low-carbon economy.”

Additionally, there were exclusive content sessions ranging from Executive Networking sessions, the OSEA Academy and Country Hotspots, specially designed to provide marketing information, innovation and trends. This included highlighting specific offshore energy market and investments potentials, as well as driving connections among decision makers and experts.

The industry’s need to decarbonise and change has brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities to the offshore energy market. 

This echoed across the exhibition hall, with leading companies such as Seatrium discussing and highlighting initiatives on new fuels, CCS, and cleaner offshore production for marine decarbonisation, as well as initiatives showcased by the group pavilions. 

Yinson GreenTech unveiled its new electric crew transfer vessel Hydroglyder, which is Singapore’s first fully electric hydrofoil vessel and marks a significant move towards sustainable marine innovation. 

Similarly, TechX@OSEA showcased transformative technologies, including startups shaping the future of offshore energy and driving innovation, collaboration, and the adoption of solutions that enhance business capabilities and sustainability. 

Leedon Nox reinforced its core capabilities as an industrial gas supplier with engineering and consultancy expertise ensuring reliability for customers in offshore operations, while Aramco displayed initiatives that support the future of energy, powering economies that fuel progress worldwide. 

Strategic Marine, Mirai Ships Inc., and Ragnar Energy Solutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) to support the growing Japanese offshore energy market and advancing global shipbuilding collaboration.

Mr. Sukumar Verma, Managing Director, Informa Markets Singapore, said: “Forging partnerships, collaboration, and community building will play a vital role in the transformation of the offshore energy industry. OSEA reinforces the power and reputation of Singapore as an important leader in global offshore energy and as a key maritime hub.”

“I am proud of how Informa Markets continues to provide an inspiring and informative platform for the offshore energy community with creative thinking to support professional development, individual wellbeing and industry growth. Thank you to all exhibitors, speakers, partners and visitors for your excellent collaboration.” 

OSEA will return to Singapore in November 2026.  More information on this can be found here. 

Informa Markets will host its next maritime event, Sea Asia, in Singapore in March 2025 - marking its 10th edition as the premier international marketplace for the maritime industry. 

Photo credit: OSEA 2024, Informa Markets Singapore
Published: 25 November, 2024