Lloyd’s Register issues first guidance notes for onboard hydrogen generation
Image courtesy of Feadship
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has published the maritime industry’s first Guidance Notes for onboard hydrogen generation, as the industry seeks clarity on the safe design and integration of hydrogen generator technologies on ships.
The Guidance Notes aim to provide clear technical direction for the design, installation and integration of onboard hydrogen generators. LR says it has issued the guidance in direct response to growing interest from shipowners, yards and technology developers in producing hydrogen onboard using alternative fuels such as LNG, methanol and ammonia.
While hydrogen is widely seen as a key fuel for decarbonisation, limited supply and availability of complex bunkering infrastructure significantly slow adoption in shipping. In addition, onboard storage may also pose challenges due to space demands and system complexity, adding further barriers to implementation.
In a statement, LR notes: ‘Onboard hydrogen generation offers a practical bridge to the future of zero-emission shipping. By producing hydrogen directly on board, shipowners can avoid the need for space-demanding and complex compressed or liquefied hydrogen storage systems and eliminate dependence on the future development of widespread hydrogen supply chains and bunkering infrastructure. At the same time, they position themselves for compliance with tightening emission requirements and future decarbonisation regulations.’
However, onboard hydrogen generation also presents safety and regulatory challenges due to the presence of two gases or low-flashpoint fuels and the absence of mature international regulations. Drawing on established LR Rules for fuel cells and low-flashpoint fuels, the Guidance Notes provide a clear, risk-based framework that reduces uncertainty, supports plan approval and accelerates project delivery for newbuilds and retrofits.
The Guidance Notes set out practical requirements for the design, safety and onboard installation of hydrogen generators, recognising the challenges of adapting land-based technologies for the marine environment.
This includes considerations for supporting equipment, fuel preparation rooms, ventilation and inerting provisions, fire and explosion protection measures, and interfaces with the ship’s systems and spaces. Documentation requirements, risk based studies, and testing expectations are also described to support a consistent and transparent approach to demonstrating compliance with LR Rules and relevant international standards.
The Guidance Notes are available now via the LR website.
For shipowners, yards and technology providers, the Guidance Notes are expected to reduce technical and regulatory uncertainty for projects currently under development, helping to shorten approval timelines and de-risk investment decisions in hydrogen-based solutions.
Thomas Bayer, lead specialist fuel cell technology, technical directorate, Lloyd’s Register, says: “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.
LR recently published the latest report in its award-winning Fuel for thought series, providing a comprehensive assessment of hydrogen’s potential role in maritime decarbonisation.
Fuel for thought: Hydrogen examines hydrogen from production and supply through to onboard use, highlighting the fuel’s advantages alongside the safety, infrastructure and cost challenges that currently restrict its adoption.
Founded more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society, Lloyd’s Register is a global professional services group specialising in marine and offshore engineering, technology and digital solutions.
Main image courtesy of Feadship.
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