With methanol gaining ground as a marine fuel, the Marine Technology Forum (MTF) has published new guidance to help companies develop or adapt safety management systems for methanol-fueled vessels. Developed in collaboration with BIMCO and other key stakeholders, this guide translates methanol-specific risks into practical recommendations compliant with the ISM Code for onboard and shore safety management. It provides a useful reference for both early adopters and companies preparing for a more diverse marine fuels landscape.
Building on previous alternative fuel work
The publication continues the MTF’s work on the safe introduction of alternative marine fuels, with support from BIMCO and other leading organisations. It builds on the broader guidelines for the development and implementation of a safety management system for alternative fuels and follows the publication of dedicated guidance for ammonia-fuelled ships.
While the principles of the ISM Code remain applicable regardless of the fuel used, each alternative fuel presents different risks, operating arrangements and efficiency requirements. The new publication therefore addresses how well-established safety management principles can be applied specifically to methanol.
Methanol risk management
Methanol is increasingly being considered as a marine fuel because it can be stored as a liquid under ambient conditions and can be handled using infrastructure and operational arrangements broadly similar to those of conventional liquid fuels. However, its potential contribution to carbon removal depends on how methanol is produced.
Methanol also poses safety challenges that companies must address within their safety management systems. These include its toxicity, low flash point, and difficulty in detecting its vapor and flame without the appropriate equipment. Therefore effective procedural controls, risk assessments and contingency arrangements are essential.
The guidelines address these considerations across the key functional areas of the SMS system, including operational procedures, emergency preparedness, maintenance, efficiency and training, change management, incident reporting, auditing and continuous improvement.
The recommendations are aligned with the ISM Code but remain risk-based and adaptable, recognizing that ship designs, fuel systems and operational profiles may vary significantly.
Support people as well as technology
The guidelines focus specifically on the human element. Companies should evaluate competency, training, induction and resource requirements according to the roles and responsibilities of both shipboard and ashore personnel.
This is especially important during early adoption of new fuels, when operational experience is limited and the crew may need to administer conventional fuels and methanol simultaneously. The Guidelines therefore encourage companies to create versatile SMS arrangements that can support mixed fuel operations without creating unclear responsibilities or inconsistent procedures.
Learn from practical experience
As experience with methanol-fuelled vessels continues to evolve, the Guidelines emphasize the importance of regulatory learning and continuous improvement. Companies are encouraged to capture and evaluate information related to hazardous incidents, near misses, equipment failures and accidents, and use those learnings to update risk assessments, procedures and training.
A strong reporting culture will be essential to ensure emerging risks are identified early and that the experience gained through pilot projects contributes to safer implementation across the wider industry.
Prepare for a changing fuel landscape
The Guidelines provide a useful resource not only for companies already operating or ordering methanol-fueled vessels, but also for organizations evaluating future fuel options. Early consideration of efficiency, emergency response, change management and shore-side support can help companies identify organizational needs before the vessel enters service.
BIMCO continues to work with industry partners and the IMO to support a safe, practical and proportionate transition to alternative fuels. The new MTF Guidelines provide companies with a structured basis to ensure their safety management arrangements evolve alongside the fuel types and technologies used on board.
Source: Bimco, https://www.bimco.org/news-insights/bimco-news/2026/07/14-sms-mthanol/
