NMA: approval guidelines for ships using alternative fuels

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has issued a circular regarding the approval of alternative design and arrangements for ships using alternative fuels.

The circular was published on 4 January 2024.

Purpose

Instructions to Class (IC) 1-2024 specifies functions and responsibilities of Recognized Organizations (ROs) acting on behalf of the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) in the Alternative Design & Arrangements (AD&A) process for ships using gases or other low flashpoint fuels not specifically addressed in the IGF code. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol as fuel.

Application

IC 1-2024 applies to ships registered in a Norwegian ship register.

References

Agreement of 1 June 2002 between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and ROs concerning surveys of ships registered in a Norwegian ship register (the Agreement) article 2.2, 2.3, and 3.2.
Regulations of 1 July 2014 No. 1072 on the construction of ships, section 3, which incorporates into the Norwegian legal order SOLAS Chapter II-1.
Regulations of 27 December 2016 No. 1883 on ships using fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C.
International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).
MSC.1/Circular.1455 – Guidelines for the Approval of Alternatives and Equivalents as Provided for in Various IMO Instruments.
MSC.1/Circular.1212/Rev.1 - Revised Guidelines on Alternative Design and Arrangements for SOLAS Chapters II-1 and III.
MSC/Circular.1002 – Guidelines on Alternative Design and Arrangements for Fire Safety.

Repeal

None

Supersede

None

Background

There is an increasing number of ship projects involving new fuel types, such as ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol. Each new fuel type poses unique safety challenges, but a regulatory framework is not yet developed. Ship projects concerning new fuel types are approved and certified following the risk-based approach outlined in MSC.1/Circ.1455 on Guidelines for the Approval of Alternatives and Equivalents as provided for in various IMO Instruments. When the authority to perform statutory services is delegated to RO, the Agreement article 3.2 grants RO the right to accept other technical solutions, provided they are considered to provide an equivalent standard of safety. In projects with conditions of major importance to safety, RO shall inform the NMA and consult with them in advance. To maintain a unified safety approach, the NMA clarifies expectations for ROs regarding their involvement in the approval of alternative designs and arrangements related to new fuel types. Details on requirements and the process for the approval of AD&A for ships using gases or other low flashpoint fuels are outlined in Annex 1 of the document.

Item

ROs acting on behalf of the NMA in AD&A processes related to new fuel types shall comply with the requirements and responsibilities outlined in Annex 1, which are aimed at the ROs.
ROs acting on behalf of the NMA in AD&A processes related to new fuel types shall notify the ship owner, ship builder, and ship designer of the requirements related to the Design team outlined in section 6 of Annex 1.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):