A Comprehensive Analysis of Risks and Safety Measures in the Maritime Industry’s Transition to Sustainable Fuels

Abstract

The global shipping industry, responsible for nearly 90% of world trade, predominantly relies on diesel engines to power its vessels. Larger commercial ships typically use Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), while smaller vessels like fishing boats and tugs often operate using either Marine Diesel Oil (MDO) or Marine Gas Oil (MGO). HFO, a waste product of the refinery process, remains the prevailing choice for marine engines due to its cost-effectiveness. However, this commonly utilized fuel contains hazardous elements such as Sulphur Oxide (SOX), Nitrogen Oxide (NOX), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Particulate Matter (PM), posing significant risks to human health, the environment, and climate change by contributing to global warming. Although shipping companies have always been looking for the least expensive fuel to propel their ships, changes in requirements in response to environmental concerns and global warming force the maritime industry to embrace cleaner and more sustainable propulsion fuels. IMO has the goal of reducing the Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions by 20% from the shipping industry by the year 2030 and 70% from the shipping industry by the year 2040 relative to 2008. Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) introduced requirements to regulate the air pollution being emitted by ships and aims at a progressive reduction of emissions of GHG, NOX, and SOX. Significant technological and infrastructural advancements are necessary for the implementation of alternative fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), methanol, hydrogen, ammonia, and batteries into viable solutions within the maritime sector and comply with future IMO goals and requirements. Green methanol is highlighted as noteworthy alternatives, but their commercial viability depends on further research, investment, and development (Leirvåg & Sørensen, 2023). Analyzing accidents involving hydrocarbons within the maritime industry has played a crucial role in enhancing safety standards, contributing significantly to accident prevention. Despite over half a century of accumulated lessons learned accidents continue to happen today due to a combination of technical, human, and organizational factors further intensified by insufficient regulations. This ongoing trend has led to tragic loss of lives and environmental damage, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and regulatory frameworks. Emergencies on board ships can pose a multitude of challenges, ranging from routine incidents to unexpected disasters. This paper investigates the risks associated with various fuel types encompassing both established and emerging fuel alternatives in maritime operations. The examination goes beyond routine operations and extends into potential risks during emergencies, including leaks and spills, fires, collisions, and groundings. The maritime industry's dynamic nature requires seafarers to be well-prepared to ensure safety onboard the vessel. The main findings of this study show that HFO poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Contact with HFO can cause skin and eye irritation and chemical burns, while inhalation of HFO fumes can lead to respiratory issues and other severe health problems with prolonged exposure. HFO spills, resulting from grounding or collisions, can devastate marine and coastal ecosystems, affecting water quality and marine life. Its high viscosity makes cleanup efforts difficult and can also reduce the buoyancy and insulation of birds and mammals. HFO spills are fire hazards, with the potential for intense heat and toxic smoke if ignited. LNG presents severe risks due to its cryogenic properties, requiring storage at extremely low temperatures, which can cause cryogenic burns. Large spills of LNG into water can vaporize quickly, causing dangerous "flameless explosions." While LNG dissipates without leaving residue, minimizing environmental contamination, it poses significant risks to the vessel and surrounding ecosystems and structures. LNG poses significant risks of fire and explosion due to its high flammability and the potential for gas leakages, pool fires, vapor cloud explosions, and flash fires. Methanol poses significant risks due to its toxicity and high flammability. Methanol can be absorbed through the skin and other tissues, leading to severe health effects, including acidosis and blindness, even in small doses. Methanol's rapid evaporation rate and tendency to form vapor clouds can cause inhalation hazards in confined spaces. In case of large spills, methanol released into marine environments can lead to oxygen depletion and potential harm to local fish populations. Methanol's rapid solubility in water allows it to dissolve quickly and completely, resulting in significant dilution of its concentrations over a short distance, even in the event of large catastrophic releases. Methanol's high flammability and rapid dispersion of vapors create explosive environments, with nearly invisible flames posing detection and firefighting challenges. Hydrogen, stored at cryogenic temperatures, poses risks of severe skin damage and amputation. Its wide flammability range and rapid burning rate increase fire hazards. Its small molecular size allows easy leakage, escalating ignition hazards. Hydrogen's rapid combustion can lead to deflagration or detonation, causing substantial pressure buildup and thermal effects, and posing severe explosion risks to the vessel. In case of spills, hydrogen disperses quickly due to its lightness, primarily affecting the immediate area. The extreme flammability of hydrogen presents a significant fire and explosion threat to vessels and nearby structures. Ammonia's toxic and corrosive properties pose significant health risks, including respiratory issues and potential asphyxiation. It is highly toxic to marine organisms, potentially leading to long-term environmental damage. The impact on fish populations can exceed that caused by HFO. Ammonia can decompose into flammable hydrogen gas and toxic nitrogen dioxide at elevated temperatures, increasing ignition risks. Lithium-ion batteries present significant fire and explosion risks due to flammable electrolytes and the potential for thermal runaway. These batteries can sustain combustion without additional oxygen and continue burning after visible flames are extinguished, releasing toxic and corrosive gases like hydrogen fluoride. Damage from grounding or collisions can trigger thermal runaway, leading to fire and explosion risks. The accident can also directly expose lithium batteries to external elements such as water and air, raising the likelihood of fire and explosion. A secure and sustainable transition requires a focus on minimizing accident risks. The study explores proactive control measures before introducing new technology. The shipping industry demands the adoption of rigorous safety protocols, comprehensive training, efficient emergency response procedures, and strict adherence to international regulations. Prioritizing safety and health are crucial, urging proactive measures long before the implementation of new carbon-neutral alternative fuels.