This Bulletin was compiled to identify a variety of technical, economic, and environmental factors that should be considered by a ship operator, design agent, or other organization in the marine industry in making an analysis of using coal as a fuel for merchant ships. The technology of burning coal is well established but these various factors have many aspects that need to be resolved and evaluated. Briefly discussed are ecological aspects, governmental and public attitudes; the characteristics of various types of coal which relate to its use in ships; considerations regarding various types of equipment for putting coal aboard and removal of ash from ships; the influence that the unique requirements and constraints of coal use have on the design of a ship, its. boiler and auxiliary machinery; and aspects of ship operation that apply to coal-burning vessels.