About this Classroom Training
The maritime industry currently faces substantive challenges driven by increasingly stricter gaseous air emission legislation and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) urgent drive to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. Consequently, the global maritime sector is undergoing a profound energy transition, and methanol has rapidly emerged as a leading alternative fuel, offering a viable, clean-burning pathway to meet these stringent environmental regulations. The adoption of low-flashpoint fuels and gases which can be produced from renewable and sustainable sources, such as methanol, is expected to become one of the primary means to meet these challenges.
This 3-day comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip all marine personnel, engineers, operation, and management with the critical, practical expertise required to handle methanol safely and efficiently, with a specialised and deep focus on modern bunkering operations. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding and a step-by-step approach in methanol bunkering, covering the essential properties of methanol and the specific procedures required for its safe handling. Drawing directly from authoritative sources, including industry best practices and technical and operational advisory reports, the training provides vital, specific instruction necessary for compliant operations.
The curriculum focuses heavily on the safety measures needed to mitigate methanol's distinct risks, including managing hazards associated with its low flashpoint and its environmental effects, thereby ensuring strict adherence to all IMO Safety and Environmental Requirements. Furthermore, this training includes an illustrated example of a risk assessment exercise in methanol bunkering by identifying the hazards, severity, and recommended control measures. This practical focus extends to mitigating hazards during complex Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS), and mastering the use of critical safety systems such as Emergency Shut Down (ESD) Systems and Emergency Release Couplings (ERC). By the end of this course, personnel will be fully capable of maintaining safe, compliant, and efficient methanol bunkering operations, minimising operational risks and contributing effectively to the sector's reliable adoption of this alternative marine fuel.
This course will be delivered face-to-face over 3-day sessions, comprising of 8 hours per day, 1 hour lunch and 2 breaks of 15 minutes per day. Course Duration: 19.50 hours in total, 19.50 CPD points.
1. What is methanol bunkering and why is it gaining attention in the maritime industry?
Methanol bunkering refers to the transfer of methanol from a supply source such as a truck, terminal, or bunker vessel to a ship for use as marine fuel. It is gaining momentum because methanol offers a low-carbon pathway and supports the IMO’s stricter GHG and air-emission reduction goals. As a low-flashpoint fuel producible from renewable sources, methanol provides a practical transition option for decarbonising existing and future fleets.
2. What makes methanol a viable alternative marine fuel compared to other low-carbon options?
Methanol is easy to store as a liquid at ambient temperature, widely available, and compatible with existing fuel infrastructure with some modifications. It burns cleanly, reducing NOₓ, SOₓ, and particulate matter emissions, and can be synthesised from renewable feedstocks to lower lifecycle carbon impact. Although its energy density is lower than conventional fuels, its operational familiarity and lower technical complexity make it a strong near-term alternative.
3. What are the main hazards associated with methanol used as marine fuel?
Methanol presents several hazards due to its low flashpoint, high flammability, toxicity through inhalation or skin absorption, and potential for invisible flame during ignition. It is also miscible with water, increasing spill-dispersion risks. These properties require strict hazard identification, specialised PPE, and robust emergency response protocols during bunkering and storage operations.
4. What safety systems and equipment are required for methanol bunkering operations?
Key safety systems include Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems, Emergency Release Couplings (ERC), and vapour return lines to prevent over-pressure. Proper loading arms, compatible hoses, and certified couplings ensure safe connection between supply and receiving vessels. Ships must also follow a formal Methanol Bunkering Management Plan and maintain continuous monitoring, communication, inerting, and purging procedures throughout the transfer.
5. What is SIMOPS in methanol bunkering, and why is it challenging?
SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) occur when bunkering is performed alongside other shipboard activities, such as cargo handling or maintenance. In methanol bunkering, SIMOPS magnify risks because multiple operations can introduce ignition sources, increase personnel exposure, and complicate emergency responses. Effective risk assessment, clearly defined roles, and strict procedural coordination are essential to maintain safety during SIMOPS.
6. How is risk assessment carried out for methanol bunkering?
Risk assessment begins with identifying methanol-specific hazards, analyzing severity and likelihood, and establishing measurable control measures. This includes evaluating ignition risks, equipment failure, transfer interface issues, and SIMOPS-related interactions. Effective assessments incorporate checklists, verification steps, and scenario-based emergency drills. They also align with IMO regulatory requirements for low-flashpoint fuels.
7. What regulatory frameworks govern methanol bunkering activities?
Methanol bunkering is guided by IMO Safety Requirements for low-flashpoint fuels (including the IGF Code), IMO environmental regulations for fuel quality and sulphur compliance, and relevant industry standards and class society rules. Operators must secure approvals from regulatory organisations and adhere to documentation requirements such as Bunker Delivery Notes (BDN) and vessel-specific safety manuals.
8. What are the main operational steps in a methanol bunkering process?
Operations typically include pre-bunkering verification, equipment compatibility checks, communication setup, inerting and purging, controlled transfer rate management, and continuous monitoring of pressures and levels. Post-bunkering steps include documentation, line-clearing, and safe disconnection of equipment. Structured procedures ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with methanol’s low flashpoint.
9. How do methanol bunkering methods differ (STS, TTS, T2S)?
Ship-to-Ship (STS) bunkering involves transfer between a bunker vessel and receiving ship, requiring careful manoeuvring and interface management. Truck-to-Ship (TTS) uses road tankers and is often simpler but limited in volume. Terminal-to-Ship (T2S) utilises fixed shore infrastructure, suitable for high-capacity transfers. Each method requires specific safety checks, hose arrangements, and communication protocols.
10. What future trends are expected for methanol bunkering in global shipping?
Demand for methanol as a marine fuel is projected to grow rapidly as more shipowners commit to low-carbon compliance strategies and dual-fuel tonnage expands. Advancements in green methanol production, improvements in bunkering infrastructure, and evolving IMO regulations will accelerate adoption. Increased standardisation and incident-based learning will further enhance safety and operational maturity.