This SIG is newly established. If you are looking for a greater position of involvement and are prepared to commit time and some effort, please register your interest in becoming a member of the committee.

The global merchant fleet consumes an estimated 330 million tonnes of fuel per year, therefore development of alternative fuels for shipping is increasing (DNV, 2014) primarily driven by an anticipated long term increase in costs of oil and especially, the need to reduce harmful emissions from ships, liked to ever tightening legislation.

Current avenues for alternative fuel consist of: Liquefied Natural gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Methanol and Ethanol, Di-Methyl Ether (DME), Synthetic fuels (Fischer-Tropsch), Biodiesel, Biogas, Hydrogen and Nuclear Fuel.

The Alternative Fuels For Shipping Special Interest Group will focus on developing a glossary and definitions and addressing issues related, but not restricted, to:

• Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)
• Storage and handling standards
• Supply chain
• Refuelling standards
• Fleet implications.