The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published new guidelines to support companies in developing new Safety Management Systems (SMS) and strengthening existing systems for ships powered by methanol, helping enhance safety practices as the adoption of alternative fuels continues to grow across the maritime industry.
As the maritime industry accelerates its decarbonisation efforts, low-carbon methanol has emerged as one of the most scalable alternative fuel options. Its liquid state under ambient conditions, compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure, and increasing industry adoption make methanol an attractive near-term solution. However, its toxicity, low flashpoint and invisible vapour and flame characteristics introduce new safety challenges for the maritime industry that require enhanced procedural controls and risk management measures for safe operations.
Developed collaboratively by MTF members and industry stakeholders with expertise in methanol fuel technologies and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the guidelines provide methanol-specific recommendations across all functional areas of an SMS.
Recognising that methanol as a marine fuel remains at an early stage of adoption, the guidelines place particular emphasis on risk-based decision-making, continuous improvement and organisational agility. The guidelines emphasise the importance of learning from hazardous occurrences, near-misses and accidents involving methanol fuel.
The report also highlights the importance of developing versatile SMS frameworks capable of supporting mixed-fuel operations during the transition period, where both conventional fuels and methanol may be carried and used onboard.
Human factors are identified as a critical element in ensuring safe methanol operations. The guidelines recommend that companies assess competency, training, familiarisation and resource requirements based on individual roles and responsibilities.
By providing clear, practical recommendations aligned with the ISM Code, the new MTF guidelines aim to support the safe and effective adoption of methanol as fuel while enabling the maritime industry’s transition towards lower-carbon shipping.
Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, said, “While IMO regulatory discussions continue, many ship owners and operators are already moving ahead with alternative fuel retrofits and newbuilds. For those choosing methanol, these guidelines provide practical recommendations to ensure safety management systems appropriately reflect its characteristics as a fuel."
Capt. M. Segar, Chief Marine Officer / Senior Advisor, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, said, “We appreciate the collective efforts of industry and MTF members to bring together practical experience and regulatory perspectives in support of the safe adoption of methanol as a marine fuel. It serves as a practical reference for companies developing or strengthening their Safety Management Systems for ships using methanol as fuel.”
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