Classification society ABS has developed a new guide to help shipowners prepare their fleets for the introduction of alternative fuels.
ABS designed the ‘Alternative Fuel Ready’ approach to support shipowners looking to build a new vessel or convert an existing one to use LNG and other fuels, the US society said in a statement.
This includes methanol, ethane, LPG, hydrogen, ammonia and other gases or low-flashpoint fuels.
ABS expects use of low-flashpoint fuels to increase significantly as the industry addresses IMO 2030 and 2050 targets.
The new guide replaces the existing ABS guide for LNG-ready vessels. It supports owners looking to commission conventionally-powered vessels designed for the adaptation to low-flashpoint fuels at a future date.
The guide also introduces a range of ‘alternative fuel ready’ notations. It defines a program of three levels of alternative fuel readiness through concept, design and installation, ABS said.
