Guidelines clear the way for ammonia

The guidelines follow an amendment secured more than two years ago to the IGC Code, which had previously barred ammonia consumption as fuel on certified carriers. The draft text, initially prepared by the three stakeholders, was refined through cooperation with member states in an IMO Correspondence Group to reach consensus.

“This collaboration shows what’s possible when industry leaders, regulators and technical experts come together to enable change,” said Claudene Sharp-Patel, global technical director at LR.

“LR has been involved in ammonia-as-fuel projects from their earliest stages through to realisation. The deep knowledge and expertise we’ve developed directly benefit our clients as they look to decarbonise their fleets.”

The framework was finalised during the IMO Sub-Committee on the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers and now awaits formal approval at MSC 111 in May 2026. Ammonia, long viewed as a promising zero-carbon option, gains a regulatory pathway through the new guidance, which aims to balance operational flexibility with strict safety measures. This is expected to accelerate design work on ammonia-fuelled gas carriers.

“EXMAR’s journey toward ammonia as a marine fuel began in 2021,” said Kristof Coppé, director fleet operations and technical business development.

“Ammonia now marks the next step forward, offering the added benefit of reducing direct CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent.”

FPS expert Nathalie Deleuze added: “Decarbonisation is a key priority for Belgium. Together, we’re charting the course toward a cleaner future.”

LR’s latest ‘Fuel for Thought: Ammonia’ report compiles safety, supply chain and technology insights for shipowners weighing zero-carbon fuel options.