Lloyds Register talks hydrogen integration in the marine world
In recent years, the market has witnessed compelling arguments made for a number of potential sources in the race to decarbonise maritime travel, including biodiesel, HVO, ammonia and green methanol.
With a growing number of voices in the marine industry championing its benefits, one of the frontrunners in the race for carbon-neutral cruising is hydrogen. Already adopted across several sectors, including agriculture, car racing and the space industry, hydrogen is one of the cleanest and greenest fuels around (depending on its production process).
Engel-Jan de Boer (DB), global yacht segment director for Lloyd’s Register (LR), believes the yachting sector is at a “tipping point” regarding the integration of alternative fuels and has stressed the necessity for comprehensive guidelines to ensure safe and effective adoption.
What needs to be overcome for hydrogen to be a viable fuel for superyachts?
DB: “One of the key regulatory sticking points is safety standards for hydrogen storage and handling on board, which is crucial due to its high flammability and explosion risk. Hydrogen’s storage systems require specific containment and insulation regulations. Material compatibility must be considered to address hydrogen embrittlement, which can weaken certain metals and alloys used in storage tanks and pipelines.
“Infrastructure and refuelling regulations are also a significant challenge. Standards for safe hydrogen bunkering at ports, including refuelling processes, emergency protocols and monitoring systems are still evolving. LR has assisted various ports in developing hydrogen bunkering protocols that could be adapted by marinas, although this is still in its early stages.
“Additionally, operational safety regulations must ensure that crew teams handling hydrogen are well trained and certified.
“Regulations must address the integration of hydrogen fuel cells with conventional diesel systems, including transitional compliance frameworks. Standards are also needed for hydrogen fuel cells interfacing with existing yacht power management systems.”
What’s been the feedback from superyacht owners and operators?
DB: “We know that hydrogen in liquid form takes up too much space and comes with increased risks. In addition, the availability of hydrogen in marinas with appropriate bunkering protocols in place is limited.
“Therefore, the industry is not yet convinced of the use of hydrogen to power yachts for propulsion. However, it does see potential in providing hotel load power in combination with methanol. Small yachts with limited ranges could see an uptake of compressed hydrogen in this segment.”
How can the risks associated with hydrogen on boats be mitigated?
DB: “Using advanced materials, such as composite or stainless-steel tanks to resist hydrogen embrittlement. Multi-layered insulation and vacuum jackets for cryogenic hydrogen storage, and robust leak-proof seals and fittings are also essential.
“Highly sensitive hydrogen detectors to identify leaks promptly, flame detectors capable of recognising hydrogen’s invisible flame should be used and adequate ventilation in storage and engine compartments are all crucial to prevent the accumulation of hydrogen in enclosed spaces.
“Pressure relief valves can be equipped in tanks to manage pressure build-up safely and advanced boil-off management systems are needed for liquid hydrogen storage. Crew members require training in hydrogen handling, emergency response and system maintenance. It is also important to follow strict refuelling procedures, such as grounding to prevent static discharge, and to use automated and monitored bunkering systems to reduce human error.”
How does Lloyd’s Register assess the scalability of hydrogen production in the marine industry?
DB: “The global shortage of hydrogen bunkering facilities limits operational flexibility for superyachts. Early adoption will depend on the establishment of refuelling infrastructure in key luxury yachting hubs.
“Hydrogen’s low energy density means storage tanks take up more space than diesel, posing challenges for luxury superyacht designs where space is a premium. Therefore, the impact on volume, safety and availability is still a concern preventing the industry from moving faster in the adoption of hydrogen.”
Which innovations in hydrogen storage show most promise in the next five years?
DB: “Solid-state hydrogen storage, which involves storing hydrogen in solid materials such as metal hydrides or porous materials like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), is one of the most promising innovations for maritime applications in the next five years. This method offers several advancements, including the development of lightweight, high-capacity hybrid materials and improved absorption/desorption rates for efficient hydrogen release.
“The benefits of solid-state hydrogen storage are significant: it is safer and more compact than gaseous or liquid hydrogen storage, and it does not require high-pressure or cryogenic systems.
“Another development to watch closely is the introduction of hydrogen (dual) fuel internal combustion engines, which could further enhance the viability of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for the maritime industry.”
What is Lloyd’s Register doing to aid hydrogen adoption?
DB: “By acting as a bridge between flag states, the IMO and the maritime industry, LR plays a vital role in shaping the regulatory landscape for hydrogen fuel in maritime applications.
“LR is involved in various groundbreaking projects with stakeholders to test and demonstrate hydrogen systems, identify risks and propose regulatory frameworks to flag states and the IMO. We also encourage flag states to adopt proactive policies that support hydrogen adoption, including incentives for green hydrogen.
“LR’s Fuel for Thought is a comprehensive series of reports and webinars on alternative fuel sources for ships, including hydrogen.”
Are there existing class rules for hydrogen-powered vessels?
DB: “In June 2023, LR issued the world’s first maritime rules for hydrogen fuel, including for superyachts. They are available in the Regs4ships digital compliance solution, powered by OneOcean, part of the LR Group.
“The regulations provide both general and specific guidelines for ships using hydrogen fuel. The purpose of these regulations is to address the gap in the IMO International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IFG Code), which does not yet offer guidance for the safe use of hydrogen.
“LR’s hydrogen fuel rules build on existing low-flashpoint fuel standards but are specifically tailored to hydrogen’s properties. These include guidelines for hydrogen bunkering stations, risk-based explosion analyses and requirements for both gaseous and liquid hydrogen systems, offering a comprehensive framework for hydrogen-powered vessels.”
I welcome Lloyds Register for their honest appraisal of the hydrogen issue and while it is commendable that so much effort is employed in manufacturing “greener” fuels, are we not missing the point? The ubiquitous internal combustion engine is basically updated 19th century technology, is it not time we all moved on? Such is the pace of technological evolution that very soon some of the countless visionary global researchers will perfect alternative power systems. The staggering costs and obvious risks of hydrogen will then be eliminated to become a footnote in history of human folly.