Loss Prevention Advice
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Among the broad spectrum of technologies and fuel solutions ship designers, builders, owners and operators, anhydrous ammonia (NH3) has been identified as a potential long-term fuel that could enter the market relatively quickly and offer a zero, or a near-zero, carbon solution (on a tank-to-wake basis and in some cases on a well-to-wake basis) irrespective of the origin of the fuel.
While there is little recent marine experience with using ammonia as a fuel – and some of the key machinery technologies (such as engines) are under development – extensive land-based experience with the production and use of ammonia for the petrochemical and fertiliser industries forms a sound basis for increasing its use as a marine fuel. Experience with the carriage of ammonia in liquefied-gas carriers – and the specific requirements for storage, distribution, personal protective equipment (PPE), etc. in the International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) – provide some of the statutory requirements to guide its application on ammonia-fuelled ships.
However, the toxicity challenges and related risks are significant and, while manageable, they will add complexity to ship designs (compared to those for conventional and other low-flashpoint fuels and gases) and will potentially limit the ships for which it is a suitable fuel. Ammonia ultimately may prove to be a more appropriate solution for deep-sea cargo ships rather than short-sea, passenger or inland waterway craft.
The report presents conclusions and recommendations of a multi-part study, developed to support national administrations, industry, and maritime stakeholders in the sustainable transition.
The study series includes:
- An extensive analysis of ammonia’s properties and characteristics, and how these properties are applicable as a marine fuel
- The identification of critical equipment and failure modes and a quantitative evaluation of the reliability of ammonia systems
- The results of a hazard and operability study of a generic ammonia fuel supply system from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine
- Hazard identification exercises on the use of ammonia as fuel in a Newcastle dry bulk carrier and a mega ro-ro, including risk assessment of scenarios in which there are simultaneous operations in ports.
Full advisory at the following link.
https://maritimecyprus.com/2026/01/27/emsa-study-safety-of-ammonia-for-use-in-ships-final-report/
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The ICS Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table brings together data available in the public domain regarding the performance of flag states in terms of, inter alia, Port State Control records, ratification of international Conventions, and IMO meeting attendance. It is intended to encourage shipowners to maintain a dialogue with their flag administrations to help bring about any improvements that might be necessary in the interests of safety, the environment and decent working conditions.
The ICS Flag State Performance Table provides an invaluable indicator of the performance of individual flag states worldwide. It analyses how the countries included delivering against a number of criteria such as Port State Control (PSC) records, ratification of international maritime Conventions and attendance at IMO meetings.
There is nothing inherently unusual in an international ship registry system in which the owner of a ship may be located in a country other than the State whose flag the ship flies. However, a balance has to be struck between the commercial advantages of selecting a particular flag and the need to discourage the use of flags that do not meet their international obligations.
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Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have threatened new attacks on ships in the Red Sea, amid rising tensions with the U.S. following President Donald Trump’s warning of potential military action over Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests.
In a short video, the Houthis showed previously released footage of a ship on fire with the ominous caption: “Soon.” While no further details were provided, the group has previously attacked over 100 vessels in the Red Sea, a campaign they said aimed to pressure Israel over its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The attacks paused after a ceasefire, but the Houthis have repeatedly warned they could resume if necessary. As reported, the threat comes as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided missile destroyers move into the region.
Trump has described the deployment as a precautionary measure “just in case” he decides to take action against Iran.
A video to the following link.
According to Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory, EOS Risk Group, in a separate video, Houthi spokesman Brigadier Yahya Saree reinforced the message and affirmed continued Houthi support for Palestine: “With the escalation of possibilities of launching a military strike against Iran, we affirm our position: our dear Yemeni people, with its great people and its faithful leadership, its mujahideen army, and its stand alongside any Arab or Islamic country exposed to Zionist aggression or deciding to confront this aggression in self-defence, or supporting and aiding the mujahideen in the Palestinian resistance. We will not abandon our brothers in the Gaza Strip, and we will not allow this criminal entity, supported by America, to implement its plans in the region”.
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Over the past week, 20-26 January, one CAT 4 incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia.
As informed, on 16 January 2026 at 0600 hours, a bulk carrier anchored in Batangas, Philippines, was targeted in an incident involving unknown perpetrators. The assailants’ number and weapons used were not reported, and the treatment of the crew remains unspecified. The event has been assessed as a Category 4 incident, with unsecured items reported stolen.
Area of concern