Alternative fuels ship regs not likely before 2028 ‘at earliest’

New mandatory regulations for using hydrogen and ammonia fuel in ships are unlikely before 2028 at the earliest, according to a white paper by ships classification organisation DNV.

It notes progress has been made with the completion of interim guidelines for hydrogen-fuelled ships planned for 2025, and formal approval and publication next year. But it anticipates another two years before regulations under the IGF Code are approved.

Shipping operators are forcing the pace. While no commercial vessels are operating on ammonia, the first orders for ammonia dual-fuel engines have been signed, with delivery from this year onwards. The Fortescue Green Pioneer completed ammonia fuel trials in May last year.