IMO Panel Finalises Revised Methanol Marine Fuel Guidelines

Revised Framework Reflects Operational Experience

The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) has finalised revised interim guidelines for ships using methanol and other methyl/ethyl alcohol fuels, according to a report by Ship & Bunker. The 12th session of the sub-committee, referred to as CCC 12, was held from 14 to 18 September at IMO headquarters in London. Ship & Bunker cited a summary published by class society DNV on its website, noting the meeting outcome.

The revised guidelines touch on every section of the existing framework, incorporating lessons drawn from vessels already operating on these alternative fuels.

Key Technical Changes

Among the updates, the guidelines now allow greater flexibility in where fuel tanks can be positioned and how leakage is managed aboard ship. A new approach to ventilating fuel spaces has also been introduced.

Bunkering station design and fire-extinguishing arrangements have been expanded within the framework, alongside new guidance covering bunkering operations and the personal protective equipment required during fuel transfer.

Additional Outcome on Cargo Securing

Separately, the sub-committee finalised a harmonised performance standard for lashing software, intended to supplement the cargo securing manual used across the industry.

Next Steps

According to the report, the revised methanol fuel guidelines are not yet final industry rules. They remain subject to further review and formal approval by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee before entering into force.

For owners and technical managers already operating or planning methanol-fuelled newbuilds, the update signals incremental refinement rather than a wholesale rewrite of safety requirements, addressing practical issues such as tank siting and ventilation that have emerged as methanol bunkering activity has grown.

Apeks view — This revision matters because it’s built on operational experience rather than theory—tank siting, ventilation, and bunkering procedures refined from actual methanol operations. For owners planning newbuilds or retrofits, the message is to track these changes closely but not to treat them as final: MSC approval is still pending. Design and procurement decisions made against interim guidance should be revisited once the framework is formally adopted, not locked in prematurely.