UK Chamber of Shipping: Key safety considerations for five green paths to net zero

August 20 ------ The UK Chamber of Shipping has published a new report examining safety considerations for five key fuel pathways: biofuels, methanol, hydrogen, ammonia and battery energy storage systems, drawing on industry expertise.

The “Alternative Fuels: Building the Safety Evidence Base” report is the result of a year-long collaborative effort under the Safety of Alternative Fuels Working Group (SAFWG), which developed preliminary risk assessments and identified common themes across emerging marine fuel technologies.

Recognizing the need for industry-led safety guidance on emerging fuel types, the UK Chamber’s Safety and Environment Committee endorsed the creation of SAFWG in November 2023 to bring together industry expertise to identify safety gaps, develop knowledge, and influence future regulation. The report summarizes the Working Group’s first full year of activity (2025). "The year focused on building a shared evidence base, jointly developing knowledge and understanding between Members and Stakeholders, establishing strong stakeholder collaboration and developing preliminary safety risk assessments for five priority alternative fuels," explained Francesco Sandrelli, Policy Director – Environment, UK Chamber of Shipping.

Key Findings

#1 Safety as a pre-requisite

Design and process safety protocols to support the commercial rollout of alternative fuels are needed. The findings reinforce that while alternative fuels will play a central role in shipping’s decarbonisation journey, safety, operational readiness and regulatory clarity must develop alongside technological progress.

#2 Industry-led evidence base

Importantly, the initiative demonstrates the value of industry-wide collaboration in building a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks associated with the energy transition. By bringing together practical operational experience and technical expertise, the report provides a useful foundation for future discussions on fuel safety, standards and regulation.

IBIA was pleased to contribute to this collaborative effort and welcomes initiatives that support the safe and responsible adoption of alternative fuels across the global shipping industry.

#3 From baseline risks to actionable priorities

From establishing the hazard baseline, the UK Chamber will work with partners to develop a prioritization matrix and recommendations.

Source: safety4sea.com