ClassNK issues new edition of guidelines for ships using alternative fuels

Japanese classification society ClassNK has published a new edition of its Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels, which outline the safety requirements for ships using methanol, ethanol, LPG and ammonia as fuel. The new release adds requirements related to hydrogen-fueled ships, providing guidance for the design of alternative-fueled ships.

According to ClassNK, the guidelines stipulate requirements for installation, controls, safety devices, etc., aiming to minimize the risks to ships, seafarers and the environment posed by the use of alternative fuels.

In this newly released edition 3.0, the provisions of the rules, including part GF of Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships incorporating the IGF Code, are taken as the basic requirements, ClassNK revealed, noting that additional requirements corresponding to the physical properties of hydrogen fuel and assumed hazards are newly established as Part D.

Specifically, the new edition includes requirements that contribute to the safety of hydrogen-fueled ships, such as points of consideration for preventing explosions due to the ease of ignition of hydrogen and impacts on seafarers and the environment due to hydrogen fuel leakage.

As part of its Transition Support Services, which support customers’ transition to zero-emission, ClassNK said it will continue to support the introduction of alternative-fueled ships by issuing such safety requirements and guidance for design.