The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released a new report offering guidelines and key safety considerations for developing liquefied H₂ bunkering systems and procedures.

The report underlines the potential use of H₂ as a zero-emission fuel to meet the IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships by 2050. It acknowledges the challenges associated with bunkering H₂ as marine fuel and as a maritime cargo, identifying design and functional implications and limitations.

Based on the findings of the publication, MTF has outlined the following key observations:

• The properties of H₂, and in particular the very low temperature of liquified H₂, mean that experience gained from bunkering arrangements for liquid natural gas, LNG, cannot be re-used directly.
• The bunkering process will be more complex than it is for LNG, since no nitrogen can be present inside the piping systems when liquified H₂ is introduced, as this will freeze and clog the systems.
• The material choices and need for more insulated components and piping will also be slightly different.
• The development of vessel-specific procedures for bunkering operations, such as more automated bunkering procedures, will be necessary.
• The added complexities will mean that the need for crew training and certification is of even higher importance than for other bunkering processes.
• The Safety Management Systems should be updated to cater for the additional safety aspects with liquified H₂ bunkering, as outlined in another work carried out by MTF, ‘Guidelines to develop and implement Safety Management System for alternative fuels onboard ships’.

Alf Tore Sørheim, Acting Director General of Shipping and Navigation at the Norwegian Maritime Authority said, “With the current lack of international standards covering bunkering of liquefied H₂, these guidelines are especially important to help industry develop and advance safer bunkering operations. This is why the Flag state members of MTF are jointly submitting this report to the IMO to provide recommendations and offer a framework to consider when developing liquefied H₂ bunkering requirements.”

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO, DNV Maritime, said, “H₂ is going to continue to play an important role in the energy transition, both as a marine fuel and as a cargo, which is why it is critical to develop standards to support its safe bunkering. The introduction of these guidelines and their submission to IMO are key steps in addressing the challenges around liquefied H₂ bunkering.”