Maritime Industry Briefing: IMO Approves Ammonia Fuel Safety Guidelines, ABS Endorses SBM Offshore FPSO Cooling Technology

## IMO Approves Safety Guidelines for Ammonia-Fuelled Ships The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved new safety guidelines governing the use of ammonia as a marine fuel, according to Offshore Energy. The move represents a pivotal step in the global shipping industry's transition toward zero-carbon alternative fuels, providing operators and shipbuilders with a clearer regulatory framework as interest in ammonia propulsion continues to grow. Ammonia has emerged as one of the most closely watched alternative fuels in the decarbonisation debate, offering zero direct carbon emissions when combusted. However, its toxicity and corrosive properties have long presented safety challenges that required dedicated international guidance. The IMO's approval of these guidelines is expected to accelerate investment and newbuild orders for ammonia-capable vessels by reducing regulatory uncertainty for shipowners, classification societies, and flag states alike. The guidelines are anticipated to complement the IMO's broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, with the organisation targeting net-zero emissions by or around 2050. --- ## ABS Endorses SBM Offshore's Deepwater FPSO Cooling Technology In the offshore sector, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has formally endorsed a deepwater cooling technology developed by Netherlands-based SBM Offshore and backed by Shell, Offshore Energy reports. SBM Offshore is a leading provider of the design, construction, installation, and operation of floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units. The technology leverages the naturally cold temperatures found at deepwater depths to provide cooling for FPSO systems, offering a potential reduction in energy consumption and operational costs compared to conventional cooling methods. ABS endorsement signals that the solution meets rigorous technical and safety standards, a critical milestone for any technology seeking commercial adoption in the offshore oil and gas sector. The development reflects a broader industry trend toward improving the energy efficiency of offshore production assets, as operators face increasing pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of upstream operations. With Shell's backing, the technology is well-positioned for deployment on future FPSO projects. --- *Sources: Offshore Energy. Non-maritime items from the source feed have been excluded from this briefing.*