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DNV: Alternative bunker fuels and new technologies among highlights of IMO MSC 110

A review of regulatory safety barriers to alternative fuels and new technologies was concluded and measures to address those barriers were initiated at the 110th session.

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IMO

Classification society DNV on Saturday (28 June) shared highlights of the 110th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110). 

The following is an excerpt from the news update which are bunker-related: 

The 110th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) was held from 18 to 27 June 2025. The session adopted SOLAS amendments to improve the safety of transfer arrangements for pilots and other personnel embarking and disembarking ships, and made significant progress on a new non-mandatory code of safety for autonomous ships (MASS Code). A re- view of regulatory safety barriers to alternative fuels and new technologies was concluded and measures to address those barriers were initiated, aiming to support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships from a safety perspective.

Meeting highlights

  • Adopted amendments to SOLAS Chapter V and the associated new Performance Standards to improve pilot transfer safety
  • Approved draft amendments to the 2011 ESP Code to include remote inspection techniques (RITs) for close-up surveys
  • Approved a 2025 Code on Alerts and Indicators
  • Approved a revision of Resolution A.1050(27) “Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships”
  • Approved guidelines to support the introduction of emergency towing requirements on ships other than tankers
  • Approved generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies
  • Agreed on draft amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1 to clarify the IGF Code application to all gaseous fuels, regardless of flashpoint
  • Initiated measures to address identified regulatory barriers that may prevent the use of alternative fuels and new tech- nologies, including updating the Code of Safety of Nuclear Merchant Ships
  • Progressed the non-mandatory Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code)
  • Invited PSC authorities to adopt a pragmatic approach to the inspection of escape arrangements from machinery spaces while the Committee reviews the clarity of the current regulations

IGF Code – ships using gaseous fuels

MSC 110 agreed on draft amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1 to clarify that the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) applies to ships using gaseous fuels, whether they are low-flashpoint or not. A new definition of “gaseous fuels” was introduced accordingly.

Consequential draft amendments to the IGF Code were agreed accordingly, including draft amendments to the definition of “low-flashpoint fuels”.

The draft amendments to SOLAS and the IGF Code are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2028, subject to approval by MSC 111 (May 2026) and adoption by MSC 112 (December 2026).

The “one ship, one code” policy

The “one ship, one code” policy is a principle that a ship should be subject to only one safety code for gases or low- flashpoint liquids: either the IGC Code or the IGF Code. The intention is to apply one consistent safety philosophy and to avoid unintentional consequences that could arise from selecting requirements from various codes.

MSC 110 agreed that the policy should continue to apply for IGC Code ships using cargo included in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code as fuel, and that application guidelines should be developed for low-flashpoint fuels, other than the products listed in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code, used on gas carriers.

Draft amendments to SOLAS Regulation II-1/56 to capture the agreed principles, and the related application guidelines, will be considered at MSC 111 (May 2026).

New technologies and alternative fuels

MSC 110 concluded 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 alternative fuels and new technologies.

Recommendations to address the identified barriers and gaps for alternative fuels and new technologies were assigned to the relevant Sub-Committees. The extensive list of fuels and technologies to be considered include:

  • Updating the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships to account for advances in technology that have occurred since the code initially came into force (SDC)
  • On-board carbon capture and storage (CCC)
  • Battery energy storage systems (SSE)

Human element, training and watchkeeping

Training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels MSC 110 approved generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies to support the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping (STCW.7/Circ.25).

 

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 30 June, 2025

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Newbuilding

Singapore: Pinnacle Marine’s first B100 fuelled utility boat starts 1,000-hour research trial

Newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.
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July 9, 2025

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President MT

The 50th vessel constructed by local boat builder Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, namely President 100, is starting 1,000 hours of real-time research trials in collaboration with several parties from Wednesday (9 July) onwards, it says.

Powered by B100 biodiesel, the newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

It will be participating in trials with Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore, China Classification Society, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Abo Shoten, Ltd. / 株式会社安保商店 , Abo Singapore, Wilmar International, Gulf Marine, Amspec Testing & Services, and AYK Engineering and Consulting.

President MT 02

The President 100, Pinnacle Marine’s first full biodiesel utility boat, was launched on Tuesday in the presence of over 100 guests.

“Our latest vessel, President 100, merges legacy and future. Named after our first aluminium boat (“President”) and inspired by B100 biodiesel, it leads the charge for our next 50 vessels — many of which will embrace green technology,” stated Pinnacle Marine in a LinkedIn post.

“The launch was amazing, with strong turnout from across the maritime sector — authorities, shipowners, operators, agencies, chandlers, researchers, offshore engineers, and petrochemical suppliers.”

It added: “We’re excited to see how it paves the way for wider adoption of B100 biodiesel — a cleaner, sustainable path for Singapore’s harbour craft sector.”

 

Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Published: 9 July 2025

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Newbuilding

BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

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July 9, 2025

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BHP ammonia DF charters

Global resources company BHP on Wednesday (2 July) signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO shipping Group (COSCO Shipping) for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

The new vessels to be built under this arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a bunker fuel.

The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The five-year time charter contracts are expected to contribute towards a reduction in the GHG emissions intensity of BHP chartered shipping.

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan – the process of fuelling ships with ammonia – for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Sourcing lower and low to zero GHG emissions ammonia is subject to an ongoing tender process.

 

Photo credit: BHP
Published: 9 July 2025

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Milestone

China: Chimbusco and BJEC enter green methanol cooperation agreement

Document was signed between Ding Lihai, deputy general manager of Chimbusco, and Li Jianjun, deputy general manager of BJEC.
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July 8, 2025

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Chimbusco x BJEC MT

China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) Co.,Ltd. (Chimbusco) and POWERCHINA Beijing Engineering Corporation Limited (BJEC) on Thursday (3 July) formally entered into a green methanol strategic cooperation framework agreement.

The document was signed between Ding Lihai, deputy general manager of Chimbusco, and Li Jianjun, deputy general manager of BJEC.

BJEC, a subsidiary of China Power Engineering Group, is experienced in the survey, design, construction and technology research and development of large-scale renewable energy projects.

Moving forward, the two parties said they will respectively focus on their core advantages and work together to promote the production, supply, storage and refuelling of green methanol as an energy source to help support the low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry.

Ding Lihai said: “The shipping industry is one of the important sources of global carbon emissions. Promoting low-carbon fuel is the key to the transformation of the industry. As the main force in the supply of bunker fuel, Chimbusco has been committed to expanding its clean fuel supply capacity. The cooperation with BJEC will integrate the advantages of green energy development and fuel supply, accelerate the large-scale application of green methanol, and meet the needs of shipping companies for clean fuel. We look forward to providing effective solutions for the green transformation of the shipping industry through the joint efforts of both parties.”

Li Jianjun said: “Implementing the ‘dual carbon’ goal is an important responsibility of enterprises. BJEC has accumulated strong technical strength in the field of green energy. This cooperation with Chimbusco will focus on the entire industrial chain of green methanol, from raw materials, production to supply, to provide clean and sustainable fuel solutions for the shipping industry. The complementary advantages of both parties will promote the rapid development of the green methanol industry and inject strong impetus into the low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry.”

 

Photo credit: China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) Co.,Ltd.
Published: 8 July 2025

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