IMO Favours Limited Split in Methanol and Ethanol Bunker Safety Rules Despite Push for More
Draft IMO safety guidelines would distinguish methanol and ethanol for the first time, but keep them under one regime, with approval not due until June 2027.
The IMO is favouring a limited split between methanol and ethanol in its safety rules for alcohol-fuelled ships. Until now both fuels have been treated as one under interim guidelines issued in 2020 as MSC.1/Circ.1621. Brazil, with IBIA's backing, argued the differences require different management to ensure safety risks are effectively identified and mitigated. A draft revision was finalised this month at the IMO's Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 12) in London and remains subject to approval, not due until June 2027.