The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published new guidelines aimed at helping companies develop and strengthen safety management systems (SMS) for ships using methanol as fuel.

The guidelines, developed collaboratively by MTF members and industry stakeholders with expertise in methanol fuel technologies and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, provide methanol-specific recommendations across all functional areas of an SMS.

According to the MTF, low-carbon methanol has emerged as one of the more scalable alternative fuel options as the maritime industry pursues decarbonisation. Its liquid state under ambient conditions and compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure are cited as factors behind its growing adoption. However, the MTF notes that methanol's toxicity, low flashpoint, and invisible vapour and flame characteristics introduce safety challenges that require enhanced procedural controls and risk management measures.

Recognising that methanol as a marine fuel remains at an early stage of adoption, the guidelines place particular emphasis on risk-based decision-making, continuous improvement and organisational agility. The report also stresses the value of learning from hazardous occurrences, near misses and accidents involving methanol fuel.

The guidelines address the transition period in which both conventional fuels and methanol may be carried and used onboard simultaneously, recommending that companies develop SMS frameworks capable of supporting such mixed-fuel operations.

Human factors are identified by the MTF as a critical element in ensuring safe methanol operations, with recommendations that companies assess competency, training, familiarisation and resource requirements based on individual roles and responsibilities.

Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd's Register, stated: "While IMO regulatory discussions continue, many ship owners and operators are already moving ahead with alternative fuel retrofits and newbuilds. For those choosing methanol, these guidelines provide practical recommendations to ensure safety management systems appropriately reflect its characteristics as a fuel."

Capt. M. Segar, chief marine officer/senior adviser at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, remarked: "We appreciate the collective efforts of industry and MTF members to bring together practical experience and regulatory perspectives in support of the safe adoption of methanol as a marine fuel. It serves as a practical reference for companies developing or strengthening their Safety Management Systems for ships using methanol as fuel."

The MTF is a forum of flag states and classification societies established to provide technical and regulatory expertise to the maritime industry. Flag state administrations include Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Maritime Bureau), the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. Classification society members are ABS, DNV, Lloyd's Register and ClassNK.