ClassNK releases revised edition of 'Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels'

ClassNK has revised the safety requirements for ships using methanol/ethanol and hydrogen as fuel within the ‘Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.1).’

In Part D, covering hydrogen-fuelled ships, the revision incorporates the ‘Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Hydrogen as Fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1701)’ issued by the IMO this year, and additionally introduces a hydrogen leak frequency table that can be used for the safety assessments required under the IMO guidelines.

In Part A, covering methanol/ethanol-fuelled ships, new structural strength requirements for methanol/ethanol fuel tanks—which are not addressed in the IMO guidelines—have been established.

ClassNK says that through this revision, shipyards, designers, and shipowners can carry out design and safety assessments in line with the latest international standards, and by utilising ClassNK's own leak frequency estimates and the relevant requirements, they can proceed the development of alternative-fuelled ships more rationally.

The guidelines can be viewed under "Guidelines" on My Page by registering as a user on the ClassNK website: www.classnk.or.jp .