The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has today released a new report exploring the safety considerations for establishing green corridors.
MTF’s study facilitates information sharing by creating a 24-point safety checklist spotlighting vessel and port, collaborative and technical considerations in the planning and assessment of green corridors. The safety considerations cover approval basis and regulatory framework, operation of vessels in international trade, risk to third-parties, port operations and bunkering, training and competence, as well as fuel specific considerations.
Key recommendations
- Arrange early planning for safety assessments
- Conduct a risk assessment of port operations and bunkering
- Use available standards to ease future port acceptance
- Understand the risk to third parties in port
- Share information and emergency plans with intermediate states
- Develop and implement a safety management system (SMS) for alternative fuels
There are many barriers to consider regarding the formation of green corridors, and safety must be at the forefront of these discussions. We should ensure that all stakeholders have access to our findings and a voice in the process so we can collectively address the challenges at hand.
… said Alf Tore Sørheim, Acting Director General of Shipping and Navigation at the Norwegian Maritime Authority
According to MTF, the recommendations summarized in the safety checklist for establishing green corridors are intended to be used by the ship owner and port authorities as a reference in the planning and assessment of the green corridor to ensure that important topics are identified and analysed.
The checklist is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all operational and technical aspects concerning the safe uptake of alternative fuels, and most of the recommendations listed will require detailed work and new specific checklists.
The establishment of Green and Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSCs) with like-minded partners is a key enabler to accelerate the early adoption of alternative fuels. MTF’s study can support the on-going work that port authorities are already undertaking, such as through the Port Authorities Roundtable on sharing the experiences that can inform the development of national standards and guidelines by the respective countries
… commented Tan Hoe Soon, Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate & Strategy) for the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
