The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has unveiled a pivotal report providing detailed guidelines and critical safety considerations for the development of liquefied hydrogen bunkering systems and procedures. This report is essential for navigating the complexities and safety aspects of using hydrogen as a zero-emission marine fuel, aligning with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships by 2050.
Key Insights from the Report
The report emphasizes the potential of hydrogen to serve as a zero-emission alternative fuel but also acknowledges significant challenges associated with its use both as a marine fuel and cargo. Key findings include:
- Distinct Properties of Hydrogen: The very low temperature of liquefied hydrogen means that lessons learned from LNG bunkering cannot be directly applied. The unique properties of hydrogen necessitate a tailored approach to bunkering systems.
- Complex Bunkering Processes: Unlike LNG, the introduction of liquefied hydrogen requires that no nitrogen is present in the piping systems, as nitrogen can freeze and obstruct the system. This adds complexity to the bunkering process.
- Material and Component Requirements: Bunkering hydrogen will demand different material choices and more insulated components compared to LNG systems.
- Development of Vessel-Specific Procedures: The report highlights the need for customized, automated bunkering procedures to handle hydrogen safely and efficiently.
- Enhanced Crew Training: Given the added complexities, the importance of crew training and certification is amplified. Ensuring that personnel are well-versed in hydrogen-specific procedures is crucial for safe operations.
- Updated Safety Management Systems: Safety Management Systems (SMS) must be updated to address the unique safety considerations associated with liquefied hydrogen. This aligns with MTF’s earlier work, ‘Guidelines to Develop and Implement a Safety Management System for Alternative Fuels on Board Ships.’
Alf Tore Sørheim, Acting Director General of Shipping and Navigation at the Norwegian Maritime Authority, commented on the importance of these guidelines “With the current lack of international standards covering the bunkering of liquefied hydrogen, these guidelines are crucial for advancing safer operations. The Flag State members of MTF are submitting this report to the IMO to provide a framework for developing liquefied hydrogen bunkering requirements.”
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime, added “Hydrogen’s role in the energy transition is significant, both as a marine fuel and cargo. It is imperative to establish standards to ensure its safe bunkering. The introduction of these guidelines and their submission to the IMO are vital steps in addressing the challenges of liquefied hydrogen bunkering.”
The full report is available for download from MTF website here.
About MTF
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) is a collaborative body consisting of Flag States and Classification Societies dedicated to advancing technical and regulatory expertise for the maritime industry. The Forum’s mission includes guiding the use of alternative fuels, enhancing automation in shipping, and supporting the safe testing and adoption of new technologies. MTF’s Flag State members include the Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan; the Norwegian Maritime Authority; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, United Kingdom; and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The Classification Society members are ABS, DNV, LR, and ClassNK.