The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved new safety guidelines for using ammonia as fuel on gas carriers, giving the sector a clearer framework for managing risks linked to toxicity and onboard handling.

The guidelines were prepared through cooperation between Lloyd’s Register, the Belgian Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport (FPS Mobility), and EXMAR. They were approved at the IMO Maritime Safety Committee’s 111th session (MSC 111).

The document explains how ammonia can be managed safely onboard and is intended to support early ammonia-fueled vessel projects as they move closer to execution.

Lloyd’s Register said the approval should give shipowners and designers greater clarity when assessing ammonia as a future marine fuel. The development comes as the first vessels designed to operate on ammonia approach entry into service.

FPS Mobility’s Directorate-General Shipping led the drafting work at IMO. Its role helped align the framework with practical vessel operations while keeping safety controls in place.

Liam Blackmore, Global Head of Technology Adoption and Integration at Lloyd’s Register, said the decision shows ammonia is moving from concept toward a fuel supported by an emerging international safety framework.

He also said cooperation between industry, flag administrations, and technical organizations can help speed up the safe use of new fuels at scale.