Safety and Health Risks in Energy Transition for the Commercial Fishing Industry

Project Summary/Abstract This project will examine the potential safety and health impacts resulting from one of the most transformative forces that the commercial fishing industry will face over the next decade: clean energy transition to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy

(DOE) is aggressively funding technology development and demonstration projects to support clean energy objectives in many sectors, including (1) decarbonization of maritime operations in the U.S. through electrification and the use of clean alternative fuels and (2) development of broader clean energy sources such as offshore wind farms and marine energy devices offshore.

This research project is intended to identify the emergent risks to the fishing industry created by the coming energy transition. The research will identify and examine the inherent risks associated with the “clean energy” transition onboard commercial fishing vessels. These risks may arise from

hazardous materials used as alternate fuels (e.g, ammonia, hydrogen, or Liquefied Natural gas (LNG), or the electrification of fishing vessels using battery power. Vessel modifications and retrofits to reduce emissions may also impact vessel stability and seakeeping. In addition, there are external risks associated with the increase in Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI)

such as wind turbines generators and hydrokinetic applications along with their associated infrastructure. These may result in changes to fishing areas, longer transits to/from fishing areas, increased risk of collisions and allisions, as well as potential impacts to Search and Rescue capabilities. By conducting sound market research, technology forecasts and modeling informed by subject

matter experts, we will develop a set of realistic future scenarios. We will then evaluate these scenarios using proven safety and risk analysis techniques to identify hazards, assess risks, and identify suitable risk management strategies. The results of this research will provide a better understanding of the hazards and risks of the energy transition. We will document the

results of our research in a report and an ABS Advisory publication specific for the commercial fishing industry. This will provide clear guidance and educational materials to the industry on how to address and manage these risks. The impact of this project will allow the fishing industry to proactively manage risks so that the energy transition can implemented safely and efficiently.