Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure has announced that Andrew Stafford has been appointed chairman of the Technical Committee for the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) for a three-year term, which commenced in the final quarter of 2025.

SGMF convenes shipowners, fuel suppliers, port operators, equipment manufacturers, and classification societies to establish safety guidance and operational practices for gaseous and low-carbon fuel solutions in the maritime sector.

Stafford, who has contributed to the SGMF Technical Committee for eight years, was selected for the chairmanship following an open nomination process. The role includes membership of SGMF's executive committee, which oversees the organization's strategic direction and decision-making on industry guidance and standards.

Stephen Gallagher, senior technical advisor at SGMF, said: "We are delighted to welcome Andrew as Chairman of the Technical Committee. His contribution to SGMF, from leading working groups to openly sharing knowledge that informs our guidance, reflects his commitment to a safe and sustainable fuel adoption across the maritime sector. His ability to connect and engage across the value chain will be invaluable as we continue developing fact-based guidance for the industry."

Richard Hepworth, business unit president of Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure, said: "Andrew's appointment as Chairman of the SGMF Technical Committee is a testament to his expertise and leadership in the field. It also reflects Trelleborg's commitment to supporting the maritime industry's transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. We are honored to have a voice in shaping the future of gas as a marine fuel and look forward to contributing to the development of safer and more efficient practices across the industry."

The appointment follows Stafford's recent work within SGMF, where he led the Methanol Bunkering Guidelines Working Group. In 2024, he worked with representatives from 18 organizations to publish global safety guidelines for methanol bunkering operations.

The guidelines provide a framework for the safe handling and transfer of methanol as a marine fuel, addressing practical operational considerations and establishing safety standards across the sector.

In 2026, Trelleborg will host an SGMF Technical Committee meeting and members forum in Dubai.

Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure, part of the Trelleborg Industrial Solutions business area, manufactures and installs fender systems, docking and mooring equipment, oil and gas transfer technology, and vessel efficiency technology. Trelleborg Group reported annual sales of approximately SEK 34bn in 2024, with operations in around 40 countries.