LR issues shipping’s first Guidance Notes on hydrogen

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued the first guidance on the production of hydrogen on board ships. Guidance Notes for Onboard Hydrogen Generation aligns with mounting interest from shipowners, shipbuilders and technology developers in designing a hydrogen production system on board ships using alternative fuels such as LNG, methanol, or ammonia.

Hydrogen generators on ships would avoid the requirement for space-consuming and complex compressed or liquefied storage systems and eliminate the dependence on the future development of widespread hydrogen supply chains and bunkering infrastructure, the classification society said.

But shipboard hydrogen generation presents various challenges owing to the presence of two gases or low-flashpoint fuel and the absence of well tried and tested international regulations. The LR notes draw on the classification society’s rules for fuel cells and low-flashpoint fuels. They will support plan approval and accelerate project delivery times for newbuilds and retrofits.

LR’s Thomas Bayer, lead specialist Fuel Cell Technology, commented: “Clear guidance is essential for emerging technologies. The industry cannot afford to stand still while formal regulations are developed; our Guidance Notes provide the clarity needed to move projects from concept to delivery.

“By publishing dedicated guidance ahead of formal international standards, LR reinforces its position as a trusted advisor on emerging technologies and a leader in supporting the maritime industry’s transition to low- and zero-carbon energy,” he added.