Alternative Fuels

IBIA: Guidelines for alternative bunker fuels further considered by IMO

Draft guidelines for some alternative marine fuels require further work intersessionally for consideration and finalization at CCC 10 in September 2024 with a view to adoption at MSC 109 in December 2024.

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2023

Admin

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Friday (22 September) published an article elaborating on guidelines for the safe design and operation of ships using alternative bunker fuels that were considered further by IMO’s CCC Sub-Committee (CCC 9) held from 20 to 29 September 2023:

A suite of guidelines for the safe design and operation of ships using alternative fuels (ammonia, hydrogen, LPG and other low flashpoint fuels) were considered further by IMO’s CCC Sub-Committee (CCC 9) held from 20 to 29 September 2023. Whilst progress was made on some aspects, and the draft LPG Guidelines finalised with a view to adoption at MSC 108 in May 2024, the draft guidelines for other alternative fuels require further work intersessionally for consideration and finalization at CCC 10 in September 2024 with a view to adoption at MSC 109 in December 2024.

Specific provisions associated with the bunkering of the alternative fuels, in respect of mitigation of the risks to the ship associated with the fuels, were considered in detail for ammonia and hydrogen. From the discussions it is clear that both present unique risks that require detailed consideration and provisions to mitigate those risks.

For ammonia it is not just the risks associated with toxicity, for example, to the extent that it may prevent the concept of safe-haven/refuge on board being applicable for certain ship types, that requires mitigation but also the corrosivity of the product and its effect on materials and so design of equipment.

For storage, among the three different storage options for ammonia, i.e. refrigerated ammonia, semi-refrigerated ammonia and pressurized ammonia, only the former two should be considered for the purpose of the interim guidelines as a first stage, and that the use of pressurized ammonia systems would be possible through the alternative design process; portable tank provisions for ammonia should not be specifically developed.

For hydrogen the difficulty of containing leaks presents safety challenges and it was agreed that during bunkering operations leaks of hydrogen should be able to freely escape without accumulating to mitigate risk of fire or explosion. In this regard, as small leakages may form hydrogen pockets and coupled with hydrogen’s lower explosion limit and that it is impossible to de-energise electrical equipment in time, Emergency Shut-Down (ESD) principles have been removed from the current draft Guidelines.

Concerns were also expressed that ships using fuels such as LNG and methanol were being built with inadequate arrangements to debunker fuels (e.g. for pre dry dock preparations and emergencies (grounding, collisions)), due to a lack of related provisions in the IGF Code or Guidelines. It was decided not to include any such provisions at this time, but may be included when developing the draft interim guidelines for other alternate fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia.

A summary of progress is provided below.

Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen as fuel

These draft guidelines have been developed further. They are goal-based and provide provisions for the arrangement, installation, control and monitoring of machinery, equipment and systems using hydrogen as fuel to minimise the risk to the ship, its crew and the environment. Additional intersessional work will be carried out with the aim to present the progress to CCC 10 (September 2024) with a view to finalization and adoption at MSC 109 in December 2024.

Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel

These draft guidelines have been developed further and provide an international standard for ships using ammonia as fuel. They are goal-based and will provide provisions for the arrangement, installation, control and monitoring of machinery, equipment and systems using ammonia as fuel to minimise the risk to the ship, its crew and the environment. Additional intersessional work will be carried out with the aim to present the progress to CCC 10 (September 2024) with a view to finalization and adoption at MSC 109 in December 2024.

Interim Guidelines for Use of LPG Cargo as Fuel

Due to the urgent industry need, CCC 9 developed these draft guidelines to provide unified specific guidance for ships using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cargo as fuel. Written in a goal-based manner they are expected to be agreed at MSC 108 in May 2024

Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using low flashpoint oil fuels

These guidelines are expected to provide an international standard for ships using oil-based fossil fuels, synthetic fuels and biofuels with a flashpoint between 52°C and 60°C. A Correspondence Group will continue to consider them and submit a report to CCC 10 (September 2024).

Photo credit: IBIA
Published: 6 October, 2023

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China: Ningbo Zhoushan Port completes first LNG bunkering operation for 2025

Bunkering vessel “Hai Yang Shi You 302” supplied more than 10,000 cubic metres of LNG bunker fuel to containership “MSC Adya” at the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port port on 5 January.

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China: Ningbo Zhoushan Port completes first LNG bunkering operation for 2025

Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone Zhoushan Area on Wednesday (8 January) said Ningbo-Zhoushan Port successfully completed its first LNG bunkering operation for the year.

Bunkering vessel Hai Yang Shi You 302 supplied more than 10,000 cubic metres (m3) of LNG bunker fuel to containership MSC Adya at the port on 5 January.

Zhejiang Seaport International Trading, the bunker supplier for the operation, successfully obtained the Zhoushan Anchorage LNG bunkering licence in June 2024, extending refuelling services from dock to sea.

The company’s services cover Meishan, Chuanshan, Daxie and other port areas.

As China's first river-sea LNG transport and bunkering ship, Hai Yang Shi You is currently placed permanently at Ningbo Zhoushan Port, providing a variety of bunkering methods such as ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore.

Zhejiang Seaport International Trading will continue to expand the scope of bonded LNG bunkering operations and new alternative fuels such as green methanol, ammonia and biofuels in the Zhoushan Area.

Photo credit: Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone Zhoushan Area
Published: 10 January, 2025

Nuclear

VARD and partners team up to explore nuclear propulsion for shipping

Project, which involves Knutsen Tankers and DNV, will evaluate fourth-generation nuclear reactor technologies for their viability in commercial shipping applications.

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VARD and partners team up in project to explore nuclear propulsion for shipping

Norway-based shipbuilder VARD on Friday (3 January) said it has partnered with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Ålesund, Norway and other key stakeholders in the NuProShip I project, which explores nuclear propulsion for the maritime sector.

NuProShip, short for "Nuclear Propulsion in Shipping," will evaluate fourth-generation nuclear reactor technologies for their viability in commercial shipping applications.

In this project, an extensive assessment of 99 companies developing advanced reactor technologies led to the selection of three promising reactor types:

Kairos Power (USA): Fluoride high-temperature molten salt reactor using Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles, designed for robust and efficient operation.
Ultrasafe (USA): Helium-cooled gas reactor, also employing TRISO fuel particles, known for their resilience and safety in extreme conditions.
Blykalla (Sweden): Lead-cooled reactor concept utilizing uranium oxide as fuel, offering high efficiency with advanced cooling mechanisms.

VARD said TRISO fuel particles, noted for their durability and containment properties, play a crucial role in two of these reactor types.

“TRISO technology in fact, is renowned as one of the most resilient nuclear fuel types available today,” it added.

Alongside VARD, the NuProShip project is supported by other partners, including DNV, the Norwegian Maritime Administration, ship owner Knutsen Tankers, and the Spanish nuclear consultancy IDOM.

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Photo credit: VARD
Published: 10 January, 2025

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: KPI OceanConnect, partners deliver first renewable diesel to cruise industry

Delivery of bunker fuel from Neste was made at Singapore Cruise Terminal, with the fuel sourced from Vopak Penjuru Terminal and transported to a cruise ship via barge “Maple”, operated by Global Energy.

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Singapore: KPI OceanConnect, partners deliver first renewable diesel to cruise industry

Global provider of marine energy solutions KPI OceanConnect on Wednesday (8 January) said it partnered with Neste and Global Energy on the first successful delivery of renewable diesel, also known as HVO100, for the cruise industry in Singapore.

The landmark delivery of Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ took place in November 2024 and marked a significant milestone for the Asia-Pacific marine sector.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ is made from 100% renewable raw materials and is a direct replacement for fossil diesel, helping the industry meet its sustainability goals.

The use of this renewable diesel can result in up to 90% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction over its lifecycle compared to fossil diesel.

The fuel is a drop-in solution and is suitable for all diesel-powered engines without the need for additional investment or modification to engines or fuel infrastructure.

The delivery of renewable diesel from Neste was made at the Singapore Cruise Terminal, with the fuel sourced from Vopak Penjuru Terminal and transported to the cruise ship via bunker barge Maple, operated by Global Energy.

KPI OceanConnect facilitated the successful delivery of the renewable diesel, working closely with the vessel's technical team to ensure engine compliance. KPI OceanConnect collaborated with Neste to source the fuel and with Global Energy for operational agreements in Singapore waters.

Ee Pin Lee, Head of Commercial APAC, Renewable Products at Neste, said: "This first supply of Neste MY Renewable Diesel to the marine sector in Asia-Pacific is a significant milestone and demonstrates the versatility of the product across a wide range of applications where it can replace fossil diesel. It is an effective solution for enabling the marine sector to be more sustainable."

Chow Munee, Group Business Manager, Global Energy, added: “Partnering with Neste and KPI OceanConnect to supply renewable diesel to the marine sector in Singapore is an important step in helping our clients reduce their environmental impact. By providing seamless and reliable delivery of HVO, we are supporting the industry’s transition without compromising operational efficiency. We’re proud to play a role in driving these crucial efforts within the maritime sector.”

Jesper Sørensen, Head of Alternative Fuels and Carbon Markets at KPI OceanConnect, said: “We are proud to be industry first movers in sourcing and delivering HVO for our clients, helping them reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their environmental goals. By working closely with Neste and Global Energy, we were able to offer high-quality biofuel to our client, laying the groundwork for further fuel uptake and decarbonisation progress. This successful delivery is a testament to how partnerships can help advance the industry’s green transition.”

Photo credit: KPI OceanConnect
Published: 9 January, 2025