SMS guidelines

The Maritime Technologies Forum has published new guidelines to support companies in developing new safety management systems (SMS) and strengthening existing SMS for ships using methanol as fuel. Low-carbon methanol has emerged as one of the most scalable alternative fuel options. Its liquid state under ambient conditions, compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure and increasing industry adoption make it an attractive near-term solution. However, its toxicity, low flashpoint and invisible vapour and flame characteristics introduce new safety challenges that require enhanced procedural controls and risk management measures to enable safe operations.