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

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

Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed a total of 36 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in May 2026.

Activity was primarily driven by LPG/ethane carriers, which accounted for 26 of the orders. A further eight LNG-fuelled vessels were ordered, including six container vessels and two car carriers, alongside two ethanol-fuelled bulk carriers.

So far in 2026, a total of 119 orders have been placed for alternative-fuelled vessels. Of these, LNG-fuelled vessels (60) account for the largest share of the orderbook, with the majority of these (42) coming from the container segment, and a smaller share (12) from car carriers.  

A further 50 orders have been placed for LPG/ethane carriers, while activity in other fuel types remains limited, with orders for methanol/ethanol (4), ammonia (4), and hydrogen (1).  

By the end of May, the share of alternative-fuelled vessels in total tonnage was notably lower than over the same period in 2025.

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “While the pace of alternative-fuelled contracting has varied compared to 2025, the industry continues to move forward in its transition, with owners advancing fuel and technology decisions against a backdrop of evolving regulatory and market conditions.  

“As in previous years, ordering of alternative-fuelled vessels has been led by the container segment, but dynamics are shifting. While activity remains strong, the focus has moved towards smaller vessels, with fewer very large container ships, which are historically more likely to adopt alternative fuels, being ordered. At the same time, we are seeing increased activity in tanker and bulker segments.  

“What is also becoming clearer is that fuel choice is no longer approached as a single bet. Owners are increasingly treating it as a portfolio decision, managing fuel optionality, timing of investment, and exposure to future regulation as they navigate long-life asset decisions.

“This is reflected in more varied ordering patterns, reinforcing that the transition is not progressing in a straight line.”

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 5 June, 2026