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

Norway’s LH2 Shipping on Tuesday (16 June) said it has been awarded Enova support of NOK 344.3 million (USD 36 million) for the development and construction of two additional liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers.

With the latest award, LH2 Shipping is now involved in the development of six hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects. The announcement builds on previous Enova-supported vessel initiatives and reflects growing momentum for liquid hydrogen as a viable fuel alternative for short-sea shipping to meet decarbonising policy goals.

The new projects represent a continuation of LH2 Shipping’s long-term strategy to establish commercially viable hydrogen-powered vessels while contributing to the development of the supporting fuel and bunkering infrastructure required for large-scale adoption.

“This award is an important strategic milestone for LH2 Shipping,” stated Ivan Østvik, CEO of LH2 Shipping. 

“It strengthens our position as a developer of liquid hydrogen-based zero-emission vessel solutions and brings us yet another step closer to our ambition of enabling a substantial fleet of hydrogen-powered vessels that can help establish a complete maritime liquid hydrogen value chain.”

Since introducing the world’s first hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects, LH2 Shipping has focused on moving beyond demonstration concepts toward commercially deployable vessels. The addition of vessels five and six further expands the project portfolio and supports continued industrial learning across ship design, fuel systems, operations, and infrastructure.

The Enova support will indirectly enable LH2 Shipping to continue their work developing additional zero-emission solutions for passenger transport and offshore operations, supporting Norway’s broader transition toward a low-emission maritime sector.

“If we are to succeed in the transition to low and zero emission solutions in the maritime sector, we depend on players who dare to go first. LH2 Shipping shows how shipping companies can take the lead and adopt new technology. This is crucial to accelerating development and reducing emissions from shipping,” said Head of Hydrogen and Ammonia Initiatives, Elin Ulstad Stokland at Enova.

This latest Enova award brings total support for the six vessels to more than NOK 800 million and reinforces the momentum behind hydrogen-powered shipping in Norway. Through these projects, LH2 Shipping is offering ship operators to decarbonise bulk transport at scale while contributing to the development of the infrastructure and experience needed for wider industry adoption.

Photo credit: LH2 Shipping
Published: 17 June, 2026

Klaipėda Port recently opened Lithuania’s first green hydrogen production and refuelling facility, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to clean energy. 

The new station will supply green hydrogen for passenger vehicles, heavy-duty transport, ships and port operations, laying the foundation for a new low-emission transport ecosystem in Lithuania.

Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda Port Authority, said: “Only a few years ago, green hydrogen at Klaipėda Port was little more than an ambitious vision. It led us into unexplored territory, where we often found ourselves among the first to tackle challenges that had no clear solutions. 

“The journey was demanding, but it gave us invaluable experience. Today, we are proud to open Lithuania’s first green hydrogen facility and contribute to a new chapter in the country’s energy transition. Klaipėda Port has always connected sea and land routes; now it is also becoming a gateway to future energy solutions.”

Development of the green hydrogen project began in 2023. Construction of the facility started in the summer of 2025, and the project quickly gained momentum. The key equipment arrived at the port in October, installation followed shortly afterwards, and in April this year the first green hydrogen was successfully produced.

The facility uses a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser to produce green hydrogen. At full capacity, it will be capable of producing around 127 tonnes of hydrogen annually.

Klaipėda Port Authority is not only introducing green hydrogen to Lithuania but is also becoming one of its first users. Approximately one quarter of the hydrogen produced at the new facility will be used to power the Authority’s own operations. A newly built hydrogen-powered waste collection vessel will soon enter service in the port, while a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai has already joined the Authority’s vehicle fleet. 

These investments reflect a broader commitment to testing, demonstrating and advancing clean technologies in real operating conditions. By using the fuel it produces, Klaipėda Port Authority is helping to create confidence in hydrogen as a viable solution for the future of sustainable transport and port operations.

Designed as open infrastructure, the facility will serve not only the port but also the wider transport and logistics sector. Together with LTG Group, Klaipėda Stevedoring Company BEGA and Volvo Lietuva, Klaipėda Port Authority is exploring opportunities to use hydrogen in road freight transport, railway operations and various port activities. Commercial hydrogen supply is expected to begin in autumn 2026.

The project implemented under the Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan Next Generation Lithuania, funded by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU recovery and resilience facility. The total estimated cost of the hydrogen production and refueling station is approximately €12 million, with around €6 million financed by EU funds.

Photo credit: Klaipėda Port
Published: 11 June, 2026