Classification society DNV on Tuesday (3 March) released a statutory news on IMO’s HTW 12 agreeing on two sets of draft interim training guidelines; one for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel and one for seafarers on ships using ammonia as fuel:
The 12th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 12) was held from 22 to 27 February 2026. HTW 12 agreed on two sets of draft interim training guidelines; one for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel and one for seafarers on ships using ammonia as fuel, marking an important step in supporting safe uptake of alternative fuels and new technologies. The comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code was also progressed.
New technologies and alternative fuels
The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has considered potential alternative fuels and new technologies to support the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships from a safety perspective, and has identified safety obstacles, barriers and gaps in the current IMO instruments that may hinder their use. Related recommendations to support the possible safe use of these new fuels and technologies have been assigned to the relevant Sub-Committees.
HTW 12 considered the recommendations from MSC 110 and prepared a work plan for the development of training provisions for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies, building on work already initiated by the Sub-Committee. The plan includes the development of interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohols (completed at HTW 12), ammonia (completed at HTW 12), hydrogen fuel cell, LPG, hydrogen, battery power and wind propulsion systems and windassisted power. The work is expected to continue until 2029, in parallel with technical progress in other Sub-Committees.
Generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies to support the reduction of GHG emissions from international shipping (STCW.7/Circ.25) were approved by MSC 110 in 2025. The generic interim guidelines will be supported by specific guidelines for each fuel or technology.
HTW 12 finalized the draft of new interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel and on interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using ammonia as fuel. These draft guidelines will be submitted to MSC 111 (May 2026) for approval.
A Correspondence Group will progress the work on fuel specific interim guidelines for other alternative fuels and new technologies until HTW 13 in 2027.
Note: The full statutory news on HTW 12 by DNV can be read here.
Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 5 March, 2026
