LR grants class approval for new hydrogen engine
From left: Michail Cheliotis, Marine Surveyor at LR; Peter Van de Graaf, Strategic Key Account Business Partner at LR; Tim Berckmoes, CEO at ABC; Louis Vercauter, Project Coordinator at CMB.TECH; Edward Belderbos, Project Engineer, at ABC; Arthur Ghekiere, Project Engineer at ABC
(Source: Lloyd’s Register)
Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued the first Type Approval Certificate to Belgium-based BeHydro for its 100% hydrogen marine engine. The company, a joint venture between Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC) and CMB.TECH, has developed the engine design for operation on hydrogen without pilot fuels.
LR’s global technical director, Claudene Sharp-Patel, commented: “The issue of this Type Approval Certificate demonstrates that hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine technology is continuing to mature as a viable option for maritime applications. For shipowners and operators, independent certification is essential in building confidence that emerging fuel technologies can meet the industry’s expectations for safety, reliability, and operational performance.
ABC Engines’ CEO, Tim Berckmoes, said: ““This LR type approval of our BeHydro 100% hydrogen engines with zero emissions is a confirmation of the future-proof technology that BeHydro can offer to innovative shipowners worldwide. The 100% hydrogen engine range is available from 900 kW till 2670 kW for different marine applications.”
The classification society’s study, “Fuel for thought: Hydrogen”, released in January, examines hydrogen as a marine fuel, from production to supply and deployment on board ship. It highlights both the fuel’s advantages alongside the features that restrict its adoption so far, including safety, infrastructure, and cost.
