Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Wednesday (17 June) said it has issued the first Type Approval Certificate for a 100% hydrogen-fuelled, spark-ignited marine engine.

The approval has been awarded to the hydrogen engine developed by BeHydro and confirms the design meets LR’s requirements for safety, performance and reliability in marine applications.

The engine has been developed and tested at ABC Engines’ facility in Ghent and is designed to operate entirely on hydrogen, without the need for pilot fuels. This simplifies system design and removes onboard carbon emissions at source, positioning the technology as a practical option for operators exploring zero-carbon propulsion.

Claudene Sharp-Patel, Global Technical Director, Lloyd’s Register, said: “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.”

Tim Berckmoes, CEO at ABC Engines, said: “This LRS 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.”

LR previously awarded Type Approval to BeHydro for its hydrogen-powered dual-fuel engine in 2023, which was the first Type Approval for a dual-fuel hydrogen engine. 

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 19 June, 2026

Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) on Tuesday (16 June) announced that its bunker barge Zhong Ran 23 has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on the Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels.

The list under the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme launched on 3 June.

“The Scheme is a voluntary initiative designed to raise the standard of bunkering accuracy, transparency, and service quality in Hong Kong,” CPN said in a social media post.

“To be listed, a bunker vessel must have its Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system independently certified under ISO 22192, the international benchmark for mass flow metering in bunkering operations.”

CPN added it has operated the MFM system across our fleet of fuel oil barges since 2015. 

Manifold Times previously reported Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) launching the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Related: Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 17 June, 2026

Classification society DNV recently highlighted how complex methanol retrofits can be carried out in practice through a project involving COSCO Shipping, CHI Shanghai, MARIC, suppliers, and DNV. 

Its latest Maritime Impact article detailed challenges in design integration, construction, commissioning, and operations, while demonstrating how close collaboration and early planning support more efficient delivery and knowledge transfer: 

The world’s first methanol conversion project for a mega container carrier was completed at CHI‑Shanghai’s yard in September 2025. At nearly 400 metres in length and with a capacity of 20,000 TEU, the seven‑year‑old vessel became the first ship of its kind to be retrofitted to run on methanol. 

Delivered through close coordination between COSCO Shipping, CHI Shanghai, designers, suppliers, and DNV, and supported by a process of continuous learning, the project demonstrated that deep, first‑of‑a‑kind retrofits can be executed safely, on time, and at industrial scale.

Designing a methanol conversion for a megaship

The vessel’s fuel system, designed only for conventional fuels, required fundamental changes to enable safe and compliant methanol operation across propulsion, auxiliaries, storage, and safety systems.

The general design was developed by MARIC, while CHI Shanghai carried out the detailed engineering and served as EPC contractor. The scope included conversion of the ship’s MAN B&W 11S90 main engine and two of its four Wärtsilä auxiliary engines to dual‑fuel operation. In parallel, new methanol fuel tanks with a total capacity exceeding 15,000 cubic metres were installed forward of the engine room, together with new fuel preparation and supply systems.

Coordinating the complexity of retrofitting

Delivering this as a retrofit rather than a newbuild added complexity that is often underestimated. Existing structural arrangements could not simply be replaced, and new systems had to be integrated into confined spaces, requiring innovative construction sequences and tight interface management between suppliers. 

“This was a very complex project involving many parties, including engine makers, fuel system suppliers, and automation and safety specialists,” says Yan Hao, Commercial Director at CHI‑Shanghai. “It was also the first time all of these suppliers had worked together on a methanol retrofit of this scale. Coordination was critical.”

Note: The full article by DNV can be read here.

Photo credit: DNV and COSCO Shipping
Published: 15 June, 2026