As the maritime industry experiencing heightened focus over methane (CH₄) emissions, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), this publication emphasises the urgent need to reduce and eliminate all onboard marine fuel pollutants and GHG emissions, along with their broader environmental impact. The document’s primary focus is on addressing onboard fugitive and operational emissions, and emergency releases. While methane is a central concern, particularly with insights drawn from LNG-fuelled vessels (LFVs), this guide also proposes an ‘onboard emissions reduction framework’ that can be adapted to cover emissions from other low and zero-carbon marine fuels, including methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. Methane’s environmental implications, especially as a GHG, underscore the need for targeted action, but the scope of this publication extends further.

This document draws on the current experience of LNG bunkering, the wider ammonia marine transport industry and shoreside ammonia production and transportation industry experience which shows when good practice is followed by building upon existing risk-based approach, bunkering risks can be effectively controlled and mitigated. The overall aim of this guideline is therefore to ensure that ammonia-fuelled ships are bunkered safely, reliably, efficiently and in an environmentally responsible way, without any operational or fugitive emissions of ammonia.  

Members can download this publication from the members’ library. The document provides new guidance on work practices for maintenance, repair and dry-dock operations for ships that use gas/LNG as fuel, to help ensure their safe maintenance.