Carbon-neutral ship technologies not only protect the environment but also ensure the maritime sector’s future competitiveness and compliance with international regulations. Therefore, while the transition to carbon-neutral solutions in both port investments and ship technologies is an indispensable part of sustainable maritime transport, some safety risks remain uncertain. This study examines the safety aspects of carbon-neutral ship technologies (hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, battery systems, and other alternative fuels) and demonstrates how risks can be managed within the ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) framework. For this purpose, a risk matrix was created in the study using probability and severity values, an ALARP classification was made, and FMECA/HAZOP (Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis/Hazard and Operability Study) summaries were prepared for critical risks. Subsequently, reasonable and practicable mitigation options were presented for each risk, covering technical, operational, and human factor dimensions. Analyses show that hydrogen poses an explosion risk, ammonia has toxicity and environmental impacts, methanol poses an invisible flame risk, and thermal runaway levels in battery systems are unacceptable. Other fuels (biofuels, LNG derivatives (blue fuels, bio-LNG), synthetic gases, and electro-fuels) offer opportunities in terms of sustainability and infrastructure compatibility but also carry some fundamental risks along with limitations in production capacity. Engineering solutions, operational measures, and human factor practices play a critical role in mitigating all these risks. The widespread adoption of carbon-neutral ship technologies is a process that requires a systematic approach not only to environmental sustainability but also to safety.
İrşad Bayırhan (Fri,) studied this question.