Ship Design, Operations & Systems
Onboard fuel storage, engine retrofit and systems integration, replacing bespoke, project-by-project risk assessments with standardised methods, validated models and clear class and flag responsibilities.
Research scope
- ◆Fundamental material data beyond conventional structural codes
- ◆Standardised methods and reference datasets over case-by-case assessment
- ◆Validated CFD and digital twins, backed by macro-scale experiments
- ◆Closing class and flag competency gaps and subsystem integration failures
Library
Reports and guidance relevant to this theme.
Lloyd's Register Consolidated Rules and Regulations: Ships Using Gases or Low-Flashpoint Fuels (1 July 2026)
Lloyds Register updated its classification rules effective 1 July 2026 covering design, construction and operation of vessels using methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen as fuels. The rules include detailed appendices addressing requirements specific to each fuel type and reflect developments in alternative fuel safety standards and operational guidance.
Open source ↗Fuel for Thought: alternative fuel series
In-depth reports on LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and biofuels, covering production, onboard use, safety, infrastructure and cost.
Open source ↗Zero Carbon Fuel Monitor
Tracks technology, investment and community readiness across the fuel supply chain, from natural resources to vessel propulsion.
Open source ↗IMO CCC 12: Revised guidelines for methanol as fuel
The IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 12) finalized revisions to interim guidelines for methyl/ethyl alcohol fuels on 14–18 September 2026, and added a harmonized performance standard for lashing software. Work progressed on guidelines for low-flashpoint oil fuels and onboard carbon capture and storage systems.
Open source ↗ClassNK Guidelines Revision for Ships Using Methanol, Ethanol and Hydrogen as Marine Fuels
ClassNK updated safety requirements within its guidelines for vessels using methanol, ethanol and hydrogen as marine fuels. The revision reflects expanding operational experience with alternative fuel vessels and evolving understanding of hazard control requirements.
Open source ↗Guidelines for Methanol-Fueled Ships Safety Management Systems
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) announced the publication of new guidelines to support companies in developing new Safety Management Systems (SMS) and strengthening existing SMS for ships using methanol as fuel. Its toxicity, low flashpoint and invisible vapor and flame characteristics introduce new safety challenges for the maritime industry that require enhanced procedural controls and risk management measures for safe operations.
Open source ↗IGC Code Amendments Enabling Ammonia Cargo as Fuel
On July 1, 2026, amendments to Chapter 16 'Use of Cargo as Fuel' of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) will enter into force. The amendments were adopted in December 2024 by resolution MSC.566(109). New and existing type 2G/2PG ships – gas carriers designed to carry toxic cargoes listed in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code, such as ammonia, butane, ethylene, etc. – may, with the permission of the Administration, use cargo as fuel, provided that the same level of safety is ensured as that required for natural gas (methane) under the IGC Code.
Open source ↗July 2026 Edition of DNV Class Rules and Standards for Ship and Offshore
The July 2026 edition introduces new class notations and significant updates designed to support the maritime industry's ongoing transition towards greater sustainability and innovation. Key changes include gas-fuelled hydrogen rules amended to better fit the safety concept of the MSC Interim guideline, and new class notations for battery-ready and shore power-ready vessels.
Open source ↗New Safety Guidelines For Methanol-Fueled Ships
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at supporting shipowners and operators in developing new Safety Management Systems (SMS) and upgrading existing frameworks to safely manage methanol-fueled vessels. Driven by looming FuelEU Maritime mandates and the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) tightening greenhouse gas reduction targets, low-carbon methanol has rapidly emerged as a frontrunner in the multi-fuel transition.
Open source ↗ABS Sustainability: Ammonia as a Marine Fuel
Example proposal awaiting admin approval. Approve to publish it into the Resources library.
Open source ↗MSC.1/Circ.1647 — Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using fuel cell power installations
IMO interim safety guidelines for fuel cell power installations on board, addressing installation, control and monitoring, and risk assessment. Competence requirements follow from the technical provisions rather than existing alongside them.
Open source ↗Events
Conferences and workshops relevant to this theme.
GMC 26: Global Maritime Congress 2026
GMC’26 is jointly organised by the Chamber of Marine Engineers, the Maritime Faculty of Dokuz Eylul University, and the University of Strathclyde. Under the main theme “Transformation in Maritime Industry”, the congress will address key issues shaping the maritime sector, including sustainability in maritime transport, green and smart shipping, marine technologies, alternative fuels, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, port and logistics systems, the maritime economy, safety, governance, human factors, and digitalisation. Bringing together representatives from academia, public authorities, and the private sector, GMC 26 aims to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and a common vision for the future of the maritime industry. We look forward to welcoming you to İzmir and to your valuable participation.
📍 İzmir, at Dokuz Eylul University Rectorate, Continuing Education Centre
ISMDN Türkiye Experts' Workshop, Istanbul
Istanbul Technical University (ITU), an ISMDN partner, hosts the network's experts' workshop for Türkiye on 12 November 2026. More than 60 experts are expected. The workshop examines the research gaps identified at the UK Expert Workshop in the Turkish context. A short survey, run on Mentimeter during the day, gathers participants' views on infrastructure and logistics, ship design and systems, and leakage and fire, and asks them to rank candidate ISMDN pilot projects for Türkiye. It complements the survey held at the Global Maritime Congress in İzmir in September. To take part, contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Bal Beşikçi at bale@itu.edu.tr.
📍 Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Türkiye
Safe Decarbonisation Conference 2027
The network's flagship conference bringing partners and stakeholders together.
📍 London, UK