Free Resources

SGMF and the maritime transition to net zero

In SGMF’s work on low and zero carbon marine fuels, we’ve been examining every aspect of their use on ships. Our aim: to provide shipping with safety and environmentally responsible practices for the transition to marine net zero in the coming years

SGMF can not tell you what fuel to use, but whatever decision you make, SGMF is there to provide the necessary documents and guidance to make a safe and sustainable decision.

Read more about the work SGMF is doing in this article, written by our Principal Advisor, Gianpaolo Benedetti.

Misc.

SGMF Form: Gas-Fuelled Vessel (Receiver) Bunkering Compatibility Information Package (GD - A016 - A02 GFV info)

Notes:

1. This form is fully editable by the user, although it is not recommended that the forms are modified or altered.
2. It is subject to change without notice, so always download and use the latest version (sgmf.info).
3. It is to be used and completed in accordance with guidance contained in SGMF Technical Guidance Note A Bunkering Compatibility Assessment Methodology – TGN 19-01

Bunkering Forms

SGMF Form: Bunker Barge (Supplier) Bunkering Compatibility Information Package (GD - A017- A02 LBV info)

Notes:

1. This form is fully editable by the user, although it is not recommended that the forms are modified or altered.
2. It is subject to change without notice, so always download and use the latest version (sgmf.info).
3. It is to be used and completed in accordance with guidance contained in SGMF Technical Guidance Note A Bunkering Compatibility Assessment Methodology – TGN 19-01

Bunkering Forms

Ammonia Cuts Shipping GHG Emissions by up-to 61%. SGMF Study is the First To Confirm Significant Well-To-Wake Reduction

Peer-reviewed study declares definitive figures for GHG reduction potential with the use of ammonia as a marine fuel

 LONDON, 10^th June 2024: An independent study has confirmed that greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of up to 61% are now achievable from using ammonia as a marine fuel, depending on the marine technology employed. This figure is compared with the emissions of current oil-based marine fuels measured from well-to-wake (WtW)[1]. The 1st Life Cycle GHG Emission Study on the Use of Ammonia as a Marine Fuel from Sphera, a leading global provider of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services, uses the latest available marine engine and supply chain data available to date.

The study, commissioned by SGMF, was conducted according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. It was also reviewed by a panel of leading independent academic experts from key institutions in France, Germany, and the USA. The analysis concluded that ammonia can “beyond question” contribute significantly to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GHG reduction targets.

Commenting on the research, SGMF Chairman Tom Strang said: “This is an important piece of work by SGMF that will help inform the maritime sector on the use of ammonia as a marine fuel and reinforces the importance of working together across all the different decarbonisation pathways, and for me highlights why we are part of SGMF”.

This comprehensive report uses the latest primary data to assess all major types of marine engines and global sources of supply with quality data provided by original equipment manufacturers including Wärtsilä, Winterthur Gas & Diesel & MAN Energy Solutions, but also Yara Clean Ammonia, and BASF on the supply side. GHG emissions from the supply chains as well as emissions released during the onboard combustion process (slip) have been included in the analysis.

Strang added: “It is important that an independent organisation like SGMF provides quality independent reports such as this latest life cycle assessment (LCA). The industry needs credible information and this is a landmark report as far as ammonia as a marine fuel is concerned.”

Mark Bell, GM for SGMF, added: “We are confident this work will provide IMO with solid information that will contribute to its regulatory decisions. SGMF will continue to produce up-to-date data, now including ammonia (this study), methanol and hydrogen.”

Dr. Oliver Schuller, director sustainability consulting at Sphera, said: “The main goal of this study was to provide a fact-based report describing the life cycle GHG emissions on the use of ammonia as a marine fuel across the value chain from well-to-wake. The analysis followed the established international standards ISO 14040/44 on life cycle assessment and underwent a critical review by three independent experts.”

The full 1^st  Lifecycle GHG Emission Study on the Use of Ammonia as a Marine Fuel can be downloaded here.

[1] Well to wake – the measurement of GHG emissions from fuel production to fuel consumption on board a vessel.

LCA

Navigating Green Seas-Emissions from Marine Fuels_March2024

Navigating Green Seas: Addressing Emissions from Low and Zero Carbon Marine Fuels sets out SGMF’s position on
the challenges presented by low and zero carbon marine fuels and their emissions. An emission reduction culture is proposed for managing fugitive, operational, and emergency releases, as well as fuel combustion emissions. The focus is on aligning maritime practices with global emission reduction targets, integrating an emission reduction culture into ship design and operations.

This paper provides a high-level summary of the principal greenhouse gases (GHG) and pollutants linked to the use of methane/liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen, discussing their implications for both the environment and human health. In summary, the commitments to mitigate the effects of these fuels include a no-emission approach, addressing all GHG and pollutant emissions, adopting energy-efficient practices, identifying, and measuring emissions, enhancing vessel design, and continuous improvement in onboard practices.

Looking ahead, this paper also serves as a forerunner to future publications that will translate SGMF’s principles into practice. These forthcoming initiatives focus on the different challenges posed by each type of fuel, the progress that   has been made so far in emissions reduction, and a roadmap for continuous improvement. The goal is to facilitate the implementation of practical measures on board vessels.

SGMF Publications

New - Methanol as a marine fuel an introduction Version 1.0

Methanol as a marine fuel – an introduction serves as an overview of methanol (CH3OH) in the context of its potential use as a marine fuel. After discussing the wider marine fuels context, the publication covers essential
information about methanol, including:

• The nature of methanol: The Guide explains what methanol is and provides fundamental knowledge about its chemical composition and properties.
• Usage in marine applications: How methanol can be applied as a marine fuel and its compatibility with existing and future marine propulsion systems.
• Safety and environmental profile: The safety aspects of methanol, highlighting its flammability and environmental impact, and a discussion of the necessary safety measures and environmental
  considerations.
• Technical aspects: The technical considerations involved in using methanol as a marine fuel, encompassing engine compatibility, emissions and combustion processes.
• System design: Insights into the design aspects of systems needed for using methanol as a fuel in ships.
• Bunkering facilities and processes: The infrastructure and procedures essential for the efficient bunkering of methanol, including safety protocols.
• Training requirements: The importance of training for personnel involved in handling methanol as a marine fuel, emphasising safety and operational procedures.

While this Guide offers a high-level overview, its primary objective is to provide key information that will aid the emerging methanol-fuelled ship industry in its development and adoption of this alternative marine fuel.

SGMF Publications

New - Ammonia as a marine fuel an introduction Version 2.0

Ammonia as a Marine Fuel – An Introduction serves as a comprehensive overview of ammonia (NH3) in the context of its potential use as a marine fuel. After discussing the wider marine fuels context, the publication covers
essential information about ammonia, including: 

• The nature of ammonia: The guide explains what ammonia is; provides fundamental knowledge about its chemical composition and properties, how it is transported, its availability and regulation.
• Usage in marine applications: How ammonia can be applied as a marine fuel and its compatibility with existing and future marine propulsion systems.
• Safety and environmental profile: The safety aspects of ammonia, highlighting its toxicity and environmental impact and discussing the necessary safety measures and environmental considerations.
• Technical aspects: The technical considerations involved in using ammonia as a marine fuel, encompassing engine compatibility, emissions and combustion processes, as well as the current rules and standards.
• System design. Insights into the design aspects of systems required for using ammonia as a fuel in ships.
  • Bunkering facilities and processes: The infrastructure and procedures essential for the efficient bunkering of ammonia, including safety protocols. 
• Training requirements. The importance of training for personnel involved in handling ammonia as a marine fuel, emphasising safety and operational procedures.

While this Guide offers a high-level overview, its primary objective is to provide key knowledge that will aid the emerging ammonia-fuelled ship industry in its development and adoption of this alternative marine fuel.

SGMF Publications

SGMF Newsletter ~ 02 2023 Winter Edition

Read about all the latest developments, reflections and more in the SGMF Winter Edition newsletter.

SGMF Form: Ship to Ship Bunkering Compatibility Assessment (GD - A020 - A01)

Notes:

1. This form is fully editable by the user, although it is not recommended that the forms are modified or altered.
2. It is subject to change without notice, so always download and use the latest version (sgmf.info).
3. It is to be used and completed in accordance with guidance contained in SGMF Technical Guidance Note A Bunkering Compatibility Assessment Methodology – TGN 19-01

Bunkering Forms

SGMF Publications A4 brochure 2024.06

SGMF Publications A4 brochure updated June 2024

SGMF Publications

Addendum to LNG Manifold arrangements for gas-fuelled vessels (TGN06-04)

1. This Addendum is attached to, and shall be read in conjunction with, Manifold arrangements
for gas-fuelled vessels – TGN 06-04, Version 1.0.
2. The guidance and recommendations provided in this addendum replace and/or complement the
recommendations provided in the earlier publication TGN 06-04, Version 1.0.
3. For the benefit of the reader, amended and/or new supplementary text to TGN 06-04, Version 1.0 is in
dark red, while original text is in green.

Document Addendums

Addendum to LNG bunkering with hose bunker systems (TGN 06-06)

This Addendum is attached to, and shall be read in conjunction with, LNG bunkering with hose
bunker systems: considerations and recommendations – TGN 06-06, Version 1.0.
2. The guidance and recommendations provided in this addendum replace and/or complement the
recommendations provided in TGN 06-06, Version 1.0.
3. For the benefit of the reader, amended and/or new supplementary text to TGN 06-06, Version 1.0 is in
dark red, while original text is in green.

Document Addendums

Addendum to LNG Debunkering Safety and Operational Guidelines - Bunkering (FP07-01)

1. This Addendum is attached to, and shall be read in conjunction with, LNG as a Marine Fuel -
Safety and Operational Guidelines – Bunkering – FP07-01-03.
2. The guidance and recommendations provided in this addendum replace and/or complement the
recommendations provided in FP07-01, Version 3.0.
3. For the benefit of the reader, amended and/or new supplementary text to FP07-01, Version 3.0 is in dark red,
while original text is in green.

Document Addendums

SGMF Newsletter ~ 01 2023 Summer

Summer 2023 newsletter containing all the latest updates including IMO and SGMF ... changing times ahead.

SGMF Newsletters

LNG LCA II Executive Summary Version 1.0

2nd Life Cycle GHG Emission Study on the Use of LNG as Marine Fuel

LCA

LNG LCA Study II Report Infographic (Part A)

LNG LCA Study II Report Infographic (Part A)

LCA

Formal Safety Notice 22-02

Formal Safety Notice 22-02

Recommended actions to prevent LNG leakages from DD-CC hose bunkering/transfer system connections, replacing FSN19-02

SGMF Formal Safety Notice

Formal Safety Notice 22-01

Formal Safety Notice 22-01

Reported compatibility issues for dry-disconnect/connect coupling (DD-CC) manufactured in accordance with ISO21593-2019.

SGMF Formal Safety Notice

Hoses - Handling and Manoeuvring DOs and DON’Ts_Spanish

Hoses - Handling and Manoeuvring DOs and DON’Ts_Spanish

Misc.

Hoses - Handling and Manoeuvring DOs and DON’Ts_English

Hoses - Handling and Manoeuvring DOs and DON’Ts_English

Misc.

BASiL User Guide Ver 6.0

BASiL User Guide Ver 6.0:

BASiL (Bunkering Area Safety information LNG) is SGMF’s automated LNG gas dispersion tool. It can be used to manage bunkering consistently by defining a safety zone that depends on the type of bunkering operation being undertaken.

This tool is now available to non-members.

 

BASiL

LNG Bunkering Hose - Manufacture specification and information Form

GD A003-01_EQ-HB.v1_LNG Bunkering Hose - Manufacture specification and information form_February 2020

Bunkering Forms

LNG Bunkering Hose - Hose owner requirements Form

EQ-HA.v1 Hose owner requirements form.

Bunkering Forms

Manifolds Arrangement Information Form

GD-A001-03_GFV-A.v1.2_Gas-Fuelled-Vessel-LNG-Bunker-Station-Manifolds-Arrangement-Information-Form_January-2021

Bunkering Forms

LNG as a marine fuel

LNG as a marine fuel – an introductory guide sets and safety profile, which countries have invested in it, LNG ship design and personnel involved in handling LNG should be trained and familiarised.

SGMF Publications

Hydrogen as a Marine Fuel - an Introduction

This high-level publication sets out the key facts about Hydrogen as a marine fuel and is available to download for free.

SGMF Publications