Framework for the Development of a Fuel-Handling Manual: Alternative Fuels

28 March 2025

The International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) requires that vessels are provided with a detailed, vessel-specific ‘fuel-handling manual’ so that trained personnel can safely operate fuel bunkering, storage and transfer systems. The fuel-handling manual is an important document for ship staff that contains comprehensive procedures for safe handling of the alternate fuel gas system onboard the vessel.

Developed by INTERTANKO’s Gas Tanker Committee (GTC), the guidance will assist in the following ways:

• Providing the industry with a ‘standardised’ framework for the fuel-handling manual.
• Owners and Operators can provide these guidelines to shipyards/equipment manufacturers in order to develop a fuel-handling manual during delivery/retrofit.
• Owners and Operators could use these guidelines to develop their own fuel-handling manual or to enhance their Safety Management Systems.
• Any fuel-handling manual developed by these guidelines will provide compliance with the IGF Code requirement

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