Alternative Fuels for Shipping: Implications for Seafarers Occupational Safety and Health

The global shipping industry is already implementing a transition towards alternative fuels to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions and improve its “environmental footprint”. This paper discusses the potential impact of a limited number of alternative fuels -namely hydrogen, ammonia and nuclear propulsion- on maritime transport workers and, more specifically, on seafarers’ Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), drawing on Sweden's experience with battery-fueled vessels. It is a self-explanatory fact that lithium-ion batteries offer benefits in emission reduction and operating efficiency; nonetheless, issues persist with OSH, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure needs.Similarly, hydrogen and ammonia offer numerous potential benefits, but at the same time new hazards are also introduced. For example, hydrogen provides substantial energy density and zero carbon emissions, yet, it necessitates improvements in storage, delivery, and safety measures due to its flammability. Conversely, ammonia is more convenient for storage and transportation; nonetheless, it presents toxicity hazards and necessitates the establishment of stringent handling protocols. For its part, nuclear propulsion, historically regarded as a feasible choice for military ships and icebreakers, offers a compelling alternative for deep-sea shipping owing to its zero-emission characteristics and superior energy efficiency. However, significant issues such as nuclear safety, waste management, public acceptance, and regulatory obstacles continue to be challenging. Lessons learned from battery-powered shipping initiatives in Sweden and their implications for hydrogen, ammonia, or nuclear adoption can shed light on adopting alternative fuels, especially the inclusion of seafarers in a just energy transition. The analysis emphasizes the importance of legislative adaptation, the acquisition of seafarers to gain the proper training, skills, and competencies, risk assessment, and stakeholder involvement to ensure a safe and just transition for seafarers to alternative fuels. The results of this paper contribute to the ongoing debate about the global alternative fuel strategy within the maritime sector and their potential impact on maritime workers, underscoring the importance of rigorous safety protocols and international coordination to reach a low-carbon future for shipping by working on a sustainable maritime sector that also includes its key workers in the process of the transition.