ABS releases requirements for hydrogen-fuelled vessels

Classification society ABS on Wednesday (7 June) said it has published an expansive set of requirements to guide the industry in the use of hydrogen-fuelled vessels.

The ABS Requirements for Hydrogen Fuelled Vessels provides not only requirements for achieving the low flashpoint fueled ship notation (LFFS) but also offers clients a risk assessment framework for introducing hydrogen as marine fuel to their fleet.

The publication is a continuation of ABS’ attention to the alternative fuel, building upon projects such as the ABS-classed, Glosten-designed hydrogen-fuelled research vessel for the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. ABS has also supported vessels such as Veer Voyage, a wind-powered containership with auxiliary fuel cell propulsion that utilises green hydrogen as fuel, by leveraging the risk assessment defined in the new ABS document.

ABS is also at the forefront of the alternative fuels topic, leading a study for the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on key aspects of the decarbonisation of shipping. The multi-year project is focused not only on hydrogen but also on sustainability technologies such as wind-assisted propulsion, air lubrication and other alternative fuels such as ammonia and biofuels.

“ABS is working with leading organisations to support the safe development and use of hydrogen as a marine fuel. Of the alternative fuels being considered in the clean energy transition, hydrogen is one of the potential zero-emission fuel sources. The requirements we have developed are a key step toward supporting vessels on their decarbonization journey,” said Gareth Burton, ABS Vice President, Technology.

Note: The ABS Requirements for Hydrogen Fuelled Vessels can be downloaded here. 

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 15 June, 2023