The Interim Guidelines represent a significant step towards the safe and practical use of ammonia as a zero-carbon marine fuel. 

Lloyd’s Register , EXMAR and the Belgian Federal Public Service  for Mobility and Transport have helped to develop interim guidelines to enable the safe use of ammonia cargo as fuel on gas carriers

The Belgium FPS Mobility and Transport, with support from LR and EXMAR, led work to secure an amendment to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) more than two years ago, removing restrictions previously preventing the consumption of ammonia cargo as fuel. The three stakeholders provided the initial draft of the Interim Guidelines to the IMO Correspondence Group considering the guidelines. Subsequent development involved cooperation with Member States in a Correspondence Group to ensure consensus.

The Guidelines were finalised during the IMO’s Sub-Committee on the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 11) and are expected to be formally approved at MSC 111 in May 2026.

Ammonia has long been recognised for its potential as a zero-carbon fuel, but until recently ammonia cargo could not be used as fuel on gas carriers certified in accordance with the IGC Code.  The new framework balances safety and flexibility, allowing shipowners and operators to move forward with ammonia-fuelled vessel designs under a recognised regulatory pathway.

Claudene Sharp-Patel, Global Technical Director, LR, said: “This collaboration shows what’s possible when industry leaders, regulators and technical experts come together to enable change. 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. Being part of this pioneering work reinforces LR’s position as a trusted advisor and innovation leader in the maritime energy transition.”

Kristof Coppé, Director Fleet Operations and Technical Business Development, EXMAR, said: “EXMAR’s journey toward ammonia as a marine fuel began in 2021, when our company received Approval in Principle from Lloyd’s Register for an ammonia-fuelled mid-size gas carrier. Using our own cargo as fuel has long been a strategic priority for EXMAR. A commitment previously demonstrated through our pioneering adoption of LPG as a propulsion fuel. Ammonia now marks the next step forward, offering the added benefit of reducing direct CO₂ emissions by up to 90 percent.

“Our close collaboration with Lloyd’s Register and FPS Mobility in Belgium has been instrumental throughout this process. Their support, particularly on the regulatory front, has been a cornerstone in advancing this project toward success.”

Nathalie Deleuze, Maritime Expert – Alternative Fuels at FPS Mobility and Transport of Belgium, said: “Decarbonisation is a key priority for Belgium. At the FPS Mobility and Transport, we’re committed to facilitating the shift toward alternative fuels. To make this happen, we combined our expertise in IMO processes with the technical know-how of pioneering Belgian shipowners and Lloyd’s Register. Together, we’re charting the course toward a cleaner future.”

LR’s Fuel for Thought: Ammonia gathers into one place the most relevant information on the use of ammonia in shipping, serving as a convenient reference for shipowners considering alternative fuel options for their fleets, and for maritime professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the zero-carbon transition. The report combines expertise from LR and other shipping knowledge leaders on topics including the current state of ammonia as a clean fuel, including its safety considerations, drivers for adoption, production and supply chain, and technology readiness.

Fuel for Thought is LR’s industry-leading series of reports and webinars on alternative fuel sources for ships. Through expert analysis and critical insights, each edition provides a comprehensive and informative overview of the latest technology advances, policy developments and emerging trends and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.