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Home › Environmental Compliance › Alternative Fuels and Operational Readiness
Regulatory update

Alternative Fuels and Operational Readiness

Readiness starts from the actual fuel approval route: mandatory IGF provisions for natural gas; for other fuels SOLAS II-1/55, applicable interim guidance and flag/RO requirements.

alternative fuelsIGF CodeLNGmethanolammonia

Operational Explanation

The IGF Code contains detailed prescriptions for natural gas and provides alternative-design routes for fuels or arrangements not covered. Approval requires the route applicable to the ship and installation, including SOLAS II-1/55, risk assessment and relevant guidance. Gas carriers using cargo as fuel also require assessment under the specific IGC regime.

Regulatory Reference

IMO — current fuel safety guidelines: MSC.1/Circ.1621 (methanol/ethanol), .1687 (ammonia), .1701 (hydrogen), .1666 (LPG); .1702 (ammonia cargo as fuel), .1679 (LPG cargo as fuel). IMO — training guidance.

Scope of Application

Identify fuel, ship type, system function and prescriptive coverage. A generic fuel-ready or IGF-compliant label does not itself document authorization to use the fuel: check the approved design, operating conditions and flag requirements.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Identify fuel, ship type and prescriptive coverage.
  2. Choose mandatory or alternative-design route.
  3. Apply the correct fuel/cargo-as-fuel circular.
  4. Obtain approval, training, bunkering and emergency arrangements.
  5. Prepare PSC evidence for the actual route.

Practical Example

For a methanol-fuelled ship, check alternative-design approval, associated conditions and MSC.1/Circ.1621. Fuel availability in port does not establish that ship and crew are ready for bunkering.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Applying IGF Code compliance indiscriminately to ammonia, hydrogen, methanol and LPG.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to Avoid It
Applying IGF Code compliance indiscriminately to ammonia, hydrogen, methanol and LPG.Non-compliant decision or treatmentFollow the approved arrangement and applicable sources

What the PSCO Checks

Documents for the approved arrangement, conditions or limitations, bunkering and emergency procedures and personnel competence under applicable requirements. Evidence must match the actual installation and fuel; interim guidelines do not replace flag approval.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Does IGF prescriptively cover every fuel?
No.
What applies outside natural gas?
SOLAS II-1/55, applicable guidance and flag/RO approval.

Related Topics

Bunkering Operations and Fuel Quality ControlMARPOL Annex VI — Prevention of Air Pollution

Last substantive revision of this page: 15 September 2026 · page fingerprint e18b2cfe19a2