Chemical risks at sea (2024)

World trade means that over 165 million tonnes of chemicals are transported by sea each year. These substances are transported either in bulk or in packaged form. Some present particularly high risks for the marine environment, including sulphuric, hydrochloric and phosphoric acids, caustic soda, LNG, ammonia, methanol, chlorine and phenol.

While accidents involving chemical tankers have so far been less frequent than those involving oil, it is highly likely that they will occur increasingly frequently with the decarbonisation of the shipping industry. This sector is currently undergoing major changes aimed at significantly reducing the carbon footprint of ships. Propulsion systems are at the heart of this shift. Ammonia, LNG, methanol, ethanol and lithium-ion batteries are on the list of new propulsion energies set to be used by ships to replace the traditional heavy fuel oil. Given the environmental and operational consequences of spills in the environment, it is important to thoroughly assess the associated risks and the methods of responding to these pollutants.

With this as a backdrop, Cedre's Strategy Committee has chosen to address the issue of the transport of chemicals at sea from the point of view of the risks involved and the enhancement of scientific and technical knowledge in this field. Cedre has thus invited a representative panel of speakers (energy producer, maritime operator, maritime institution, port operator, emergency responders) to illustrate this information day through the prism of prevention, regulations and response.

Programme

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Introduction to the Cedre Information Day - Christophe Logette

Opening remarks - French General Secretariat for the Sea

SESSION 1 : Chemical risks at sea : the latest on the maritime transport of chemicals

The latest on the maritime transport of chemicals

Chemical risks - EMSA

Operationnal response: Turva

Chemical risks at sea, panel session with French General Secretariat for the Sea, Transport Canada, IOPC Funds, DGAMPA and a P&I Club chained by the Director of Cedre

SESSION 2 : Knowledge developpment

Trials at sea for 2025

The trial programme - Le CEPPOL

Trials at sea - Cedre

Future modes of propulsion : industry's perspective - CMA CGM

Ammonia-fuelled propulsion: discussion on issues and challenges - ARISE project : INERIS, YARA, Le CEPPOL and Cedre

Cedre's projects focusing on chemical risks and new propulsion fuels

Concluding remarks by the Director of Cedre - The challenges of decarbonising shipping