A new guide has been introduced to facilitate the safe transition of ports to green fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. This guide assists ports, operators, emergency services, and authorities in managing the challenges related to the introduction of new fuels while maintaining stability in daily operations.
Comprehensive Safety Framework
This guide is the final outcome of the SafeSBU project and integrates the entire safety chain from fuel storage and bunkering to use on vessels within a risk-based framework. Instead of prescribing uniform solutions for all, this guide helps organizations identify, assess risks, and implement safety measures tailored to their specific operations.
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SafeSBU is part of MissionGreenFuels, a Danish collaboration that helps develop and implement sustainable green fuels in sectors such as maritime and aviation transport. Nicolas Sejogren Koch, team leader at DBI, says: "The maritime industry is moving towards low-carbon fuels, and many ports are questioning the risks and safety of operations. This guide provides a common language and a structured approach to address these questions."
New Challenges of Green Fuels
Ports are increasingly becoming centers for the production, storage, and distribution of green fuels. New fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen present different hazards that require new approaches in risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and skill development. This guide addresses these challenges using a multi-layered safety model that includes hazard identification (HAZID), risk assessment, and technical, operational, and organizational safety barriers.
This framework helps various stakeholders, including port authorities, port operators, fuel suppliers, and emergency services, to work with a shared safety philosophy. It also assists organizations in assessing their readiness for green fuel operations and identifying vulnerabilities.
Robert McTaggart, risk engineer and research consultant at DBI, states: "Safety must keep pace with innovation. Our goal is to develop a practical framework that supports the implementation of green fuels, rather than being an obstacle to it."
This guide specifically addresses how to build trust in technologies and operations related to green fuels and emphasizes the importance of fostering a shared culture among all involved organizations. Rein Holdstock, project manager at Force Technology, says: "The transition to green fuels is not just about new infrastructure; it requires building trust in technology and operations."
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