Establishing safety zones for ammonia bunkering operations: A quantitative risk assessment

To respond to climate change, the maritime sector is actively investigating the use of alternative fuels. Ammonia is recognized as a promising option due to its potential for sustainable energy. Nonetheless, the deployment of ammonia as a marine fuel must contend with significant safety hazards, particularly its high toxicity. This research evaluates the consequences of potential ammonia spills during bunkering operations and determines appropriate safety zones. Employing a holistic risk assessment methodology, the study examines various environmental conditions, the duration of ammonia emissions, and the establishment of specific bunkering accident scenarios. It conducts a thorough frequency analysis of such incidents and employs accident impact analysis modelling. The findings of this research are of critical importance to vessels utilizing ammonia as a fuel source and extend to safety management professionals within the maritime sector. The insights gleaned here are poised to enhance ammonia bunkering activities’ readiness and response measures.