LR - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released a report providing recommendations on how to develop and implement a Safety Management System (SMS) for ammonia-fuelled ships. Recognizing the industry's forecasts on the uptake of future fuels with low to zero carbon emissions, ammonia has emerged as one frontrunner. However, it presents new risks, such as toxicity and corrosiveness. To address these challenges, MTF has developed guidelines to close previously identified gaps when implementing the ISM code for safe operation with ammonia as fuel. Key highlights of the report Guidelines for SMS Development: Industry stakeholders can use the report’s guidelines and recommendations to develop new Safety Management Systems (SMS) or strengthen existing ones for ammonia as fuel. MTF recommends using these guidelines alongside other existing and upcoming guidelines to ensure safe application. Limited Initial Experience: The report acknowledges the elevated operational and environmental risks of using ammonia compared to fossil fuels and that the lack of operational experience and equipment operating with ammonia as a fuel limits the availability of data. A centralised industry database is recommended to share lessons learned from ammonia pilot projects and incident reports. Learning from Hazardous Occurrences and Accidents: The application of structured risk management within the SMS is crucial. Companies should proactively identify improvements through learning from non-conformities, accidents, and hazardous occurrences related to ammonia as fuel. Versatile SMS for Mixed Fuel Operations: In the initial stages, the fuel mix onboard will likely include both fossil fuels and ammonia. Safe fuel changeover procedures and comprehensive dual-fuel engine training programs are essential. Training and Familiarisation: Ensuring safe ammonia-fuelled operations requires careful evaluation of competency, training, familiarisation, and resources. The required level of competence should be determined by the role, task, or responsibility assigned. Human Factors Considerations: The report emphasises the importance of understanding ammonia-related risks associated with human factors. Appropriate processes and procedures should be implemented to enhance the overall SMS. Advance maritime innovation Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, said, “The publication of this report and guidelines reflects our commitment as a multi-fuel bunkering hub to advance maritime innovation and sustainability while ensuring a safe and efficient bunkering environment." "By addressing the unique challenges and specific risks associated with ammonia as a marine fuel, we aim to support the transition towards sustainable shipping while upholding the stringent safety standards in ship operations.” Collaborative efforts of MTF members Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, added, “These guidelines are a testament to the collaborative efforts of MTF members and industry stakeholders." "They provide robust recommendations for companies to safely integrate ammonia as a fuel, ensuring that we can meet our emissions reduction targets without compromising on safety.”

Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) announced Royal Caribbean Group, a vacation industry pioneer with a global fleet, has become the latest member to join the cross-sectoral methane abatement initiative. The company is expected to provide valuable insights and support MAMII's ongoing efforts to develop and implement effective methane emission reduction strategies across the maritime industry. Reduction of methane emissions Addressing methane emissions is a key priority for the sector; as transitional fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) are increasingly adopted, pioneers are focused on the reduction of methane emissions to reduce the environmental impact of the value chain. Established in 2022, and led by Safetytech Accelerator, MAMII unites industry pioneers, technology innovators, and maritime stakeholders to develop technologies that monitor, measure, and mitigate methane emissions from LNG-powered ships. Challenges to reduce environmental impact Royal Caribbean Group joins a growing roster of members including BP, CMA CGM, GTT Royal Caribbean Group joins a growing roster of members including BP, CMA CGM, GTT, Lloyd’s Register, Capital Gas, MSC, NYK Lines, and Shell, reflecting the initiative’s broad industry engagement. Steve Price, Programme Director at Safetytech Accelerator, commented: “Methane abatement is an urgent challenge as we work to reduce the maritime sector's environmental impact. Methane’s significant contribution to climate warming makes this an issue we cannot overlook. With Royal Caribbean Group on board, we gain a partner that shares our determination to drive innovation and collaboration in addressing this critical issue.” Net zero emissions by 2050 "We are excited to join industry leaders and collaborate on the MAMII initiative, which we believe will play a critical role in information sharing and tool development needed to manage methane emissions,” said Palle Laursen, executive vice president and head of marine, Royal Caribbean Group. “We are committed to industry collaboration and partnerships like this are key to achieve Destination Net Zero, our decarbonisation strategy to reach net zero emissions by 2050.” MAMII recently published a report examining the scale of methane slip in LNG-fueled vessels and the technologies available to tackle it. The report, available here, serves as a call to action for industry leaders to join the effort in combating methane emissions.

The UK is well positioned to lead the safe development and deployment of new nuclear power systems for commercial ships and Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs), according to a new report from CORE POWER, NorthStandard and Lloyd’s Register (LR). Technology company CORE POWER, global marine insurer NorthStandard and maritime professional services provider LR have jointly published Advanced Maritime Nuclear: A unique opportunity for the UK.  Deployment of small nuclear reactors The new paper sets out a policy framework for the UK Government to support the deployment The new paper sets out a policy framework for the UK Government to support the deployment of advanced small nuclear reactors on commercial ships and FNPPs. The Department for Transport should include nuclear-powered shipping and FNPPs in an updated Clean Maritime Plan (CMP) and long-term nuclear strategy, the report argues. Net zero by around 2050 Global shipping currently depends on fossil fuels for close to 99% of its energy consumption, but the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is aiming for its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to reach net zero by around 2050. However, alternative fuel options (including biodiesel, methanol, hydrogen and ammonia) face major cost, production, transportation and use challenges. Development of nuclear-powered shipping In the foreword to the paper, Lord Mountevans comments: “The UK has the skills, expertise, and history of innovation to lead the development of nuclear-powered shipping." "By leveraging our decades of experience with small reactors for the Royal Navy, we can decarbonise maritime transport, create jobs, and strengthen Britain’s position as a clean energy world power.” Advanced nuclear technologies in modular designs The Civil Nuclear Roadmap to 2050, published by the last government, envisaged nuclear technologies The UK pledged to triple nuclear energy generation capacity at COP 28. The Civil Nuclear Roadmap to 2050, published by the last government, envisaged nuclear technologies, from Advanced Small Modular Reactors (A-SMRs) to large-scale nuclear plants as part of the UK’s energy mix.  These new, safe and advanced nuclear technologies in modular designs, which allow for straightforward manufacturing and regulatory approval processes that enable dramatic energy efficiency gains for global shipping. Future nuclear operations NorthStandard’s participation in the new paper reflects the role commercial insurability will play in future nuclear operations in the civil maritime space, particularly to cover shipowners’ liability. Paul Jennings, Managing Director, NorthStandard, commented: “The ability to commercially insure nuclear-propelled ships will be vital to the success of bringing nuclear to maritime. It is important that governments understand the need for a civil marine nuclear liability convention within the framework of IMO and work towards creating an appropriate liability regime.” Shore power and expensive connections FNPPs used to alleviate the issues surrounding shore power and expensive connections With the right investments and policies, the UK can develop a multi-billion-pound industry according to the report. In addition to zero pollution, nuclear-powered ships would not rely on shore power in port and could even feed electricity into the grid. FNPPs could also be used to alleviate the issues surrounding shore power and expensive connections to the UK national grid. Energy effectiveness of shipping CORE POWER’s founder and CEO, Mikal Bøe, said: "History has shown that there has never been a great naval power that wasn't also a great maritime power. Maritime nuclear is the catalyst that can reverse the trajectory of the British shipping sector, creating unique competition to Chinese shipbuilding and ocean transport." "The UK has been at the centre of global shipping for centuries, and this report reinforces that maritime nuclear power is not only necessary to improve the energy effectiveness of shipping dramatically but also a £2.5 trillion economic opportunity. Over time, the cost of inaction will far outweigh the cost of being the champion in this rapidly emerging market.” Modern reactor designs and needs CORE POWER, NorthStandard and LR aim to expand potential role for safe nuclear technology Commenting on the launch of the research paper, Andy McKeran, LR’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: "As nuclear technology advances toward maritime applications including Floating Nuclear Power Plants, global regulatory alignment is crucial." "Existing frameworks must be updated to reflect modern reactor designs and operational needs." Safe and sustainable nuclear technology McKeran added: "The UK has the expertise to lead these efforts at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), setting the foundation for safe, insurable, and scalable nuclear-powered shipping." Together, CORE POWER, NorthStandard and LR aim to expand on the potential role for safe and sustainable nuclear technology within the maritime industry at the next London International Shipping Week (LISW) in September 2025.

More than almost any trend, decarbonisation is driving the future of maritime. That reality alone makes decarbonisation the perfect topic for our first-ever Expert Panel Roundtable column. Traditional maritime fuels, like heavy fuel oil, release harmful pollutants that contribute to air pollution and have adverse health effects. We have to do better, and discussions in the maritime industry centre on which combination of alternative fuels and other technologies can solve the shorter- and longer-term challenges of decarbonisation. For an update on the various approaches, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the latest maritime technology trends in decarbonisation?