Answer
IGC Code amendment — MSC.566(109): Amends IGC Chapter 16, para 16.9.2. From 1 July 2026, certain toxic cargoes carried in Type 2G/2PG ships may be used as fuel subject to Administration acceptance and an equivalent level of safety to methane. Type 1G cargoes remain prohibited as fuel.
IGF Code amendment — MSC.567(109): Latest major amendments to Parts A and A-1 dealing with matters such as ship design, fuel tanks, piping, safety functions, fire protection and ventilation. These amendments enter into force on 1 January 2028.
Hydrogen as fuel — MSC.1/Circ.1701: Interim Guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen as fuel, approved in 2026. This is one of the newest alternative-fuel safety instruments.
Ammonia cargo used as fuel — MSC.1/Circ.1702: New interim guidelines specifically for gas carriers using ammonia cargo itself as fuel. This works together with the amended IGC Code Chapter 16.
Methanol/Ethanol — MSC.1/Circ.1621: Interim Guidelines for methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel. They cover tank arrangement, fuel supply, ventilation, fire protection, ESD, bunkering and engine safety. For dual-fuel engines, loss of alcohol supply should permit continued operation on oil fuel and automatic changeover is required.
Fuel cells — MSC.1/Circ.1647: Interim Guidelines for fuel-cell power installations. The safety and reliability level should be comparable with conventional machinery installations; the applicable fuel-specific rules also remain relevant.