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Alternative Fuels

DNV on IMO HTW 12: Interim seafarers training guidelines on alternative bunker fuels finalized

HTW 12 agreed on two sets of draft interim training guidelines; one for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel and one for seafarers on ships using ammonia as fuel.

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Classification society DNV on Tuesday (3 March) released a statutory news on IMO’s HTW 12 agreeing on two sets of draft interim training guidelines; one for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel and one for seafarers on ships using ammonia as fuel: 

The 12th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 12) was held from 22 to 27 February 2026. HTW 12 agreed on two sets of draft interim training guidelines; one for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel and one for seafarers on ships using ammonia as fuel, marking an important step in supporting safe uptake of alternative fuels and new technologies. The comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code was also progressed.

New technologies and alternative fuels

The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has considered potential alternative fuels and new technologies to support the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships from a safety perspective, and has identified safety obstacles, barriers and gaps in the current IMO instruments that may hinder their use. Related recommendations to support the possible safe use of these new fuels and technologies have been assigned to the relevant Sub-Committees.

HTW 12 considered the recommendations from MSC 110 and prepared a work plan for the development of training provisions for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies, building on work already initiated by the Sub-Committee. The plan includes the development of interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohols (completed at HTW 12), ammonia (completed at HTW 12), hydrogen fuel cell, LPG, hydrogen, battery power and wind propulsion systems and windassisted power. The work is expected to continue until 2029, in parallel with technical progress in other Sub-Committees.

Generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies to support the reduction of GHG emissions from international shipping (STCW.7/Circ.25) were approved by MSC 110 in 2025. The generic interim guidelines will be supported by specific guidelines for each fuel or technology.

HTW 12 finalized the draft of new interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel and on interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using ammonia as fuel. These draft guidelines will be submitted to MSC 111 (May 2026) for approval.

A Correspondence Group will progress the work on fuel specific interim guidelines for other alternative fuels and new technologies until HTW 13 in 2027.

Note: The full statutory news on HTW 12 by DNV can be read here. 

 

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 5 March, 2026

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PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.
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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

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The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

 

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.
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ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

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KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said. 

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels. 

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

 

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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