The maritime industry is constantly seeking ways to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and meet sustainability goals. One potential solution gaining attention is the use of liquefied hydrogen gas (LH2) as a zero-emission fuel. However, with limited experience in the marine sector regarding LH2 bunkering, there is a pressing need for clear guidelines and safety considerations.
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF), a collaboration between flag States and classification societies, has released a report addressing this issue. While the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is already working on guidelines for ships using hydrogen as fuel, these guidelines will primarily focus on ship installations and stop at the bunkering manifold.
The MTF report highlights several key observations regarding LH2 bunkering. Firstly, the properties of hydrogen, particularly its extremely low temperature, mean that experience gained from liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering cannot be directly applied. Additionally, the bunkering process for LH2 will be more complex, requiring strict limitations on the presence of nitrogen to prevent system freezing and clogging. The use of more insulated components and piping will also be necessary.
The report emphasizes the importance of vessel-specific procedures for bunkering operations, including the development of more automated procedures. Crew training and certification will play a crucial role in ensuring safety, given the added complexities involved in LH2 bunkering. It also recommends updating Safety Management Systems to address the unique safety aspects of LH2 bunkering.
Alf Tore Sørheim from the Norwegian Maritime Authority and Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, the CEO of DNV Maritime, both stress the significance of these guidelines in supporting the safe bunkering of liquefied hydrogen. As of now, there are no international standards specifically covering LH2 bunkering. However, the MTF suggests that ongoing developments and experiences, such as those gained from the Norwegian ferry MF Hydra, could serve as a basis for creating guidelines and recommendations.
The MF Hydra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry, has been operating since March 2021. With an 80 cbm hydrogen storage tank, it can accommodate up to 300 passengers and 80 cars while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
In conclusion, the development of international standards for LH2 bunkering is essential to promote safe and efficient operations in the maritime industry. These guidelines will facilitate progress towards a more sustainable future, where hydrogen plays a crucial role as both a marine fuel and a cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions about Liquefied Hydrogen (LH2) Bunkering in the Maritime Industry:
1. What is LH2 bunkering and why is it gaining attention in the maritime industry?
LH2 bunkering refers to the process of fueling ships with liquefied hydrogen gas as a zero-emission fuel. It is gaining attention as a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet sustainability goals in the maritime industry.
2. What guidelines have been released to address the issue of LH2 bunkering?
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF), a collaboration between flag States and classification societies, has released a report addressing the guidelines and safety considerations for LH2 bunkering.
3. What is the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in LH2 bunkering?
The IMO is working on guidelines for ships using hydrogen as fuel. However, these guidelines mainly focus on ship installations and do not cover the bunkering process.
4. What are some key observations highlighted in the MTF report regarding LH2 bunkering?
The report emphasizes that experience gained from liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering cannot be directly applied to LH2 bunkering due to the different properties of hydrogen. LH2 bunkering will be more complex and will require strict limitations on the presence of nitrogen to prevent freezing and clogging. It will also require the use of more insulated components and piping.
5. What are the vessel-specific procedures recommended for LH2 bunkering operations?
The report recommends developing vessel-specific procedures for bunkering operations, including the use of more automated procedures. Crew training and certification are crucial to ensure safety, given the added complexities involved in LH2 bunkering. Safety Management Systems should also be updated to address the unique safety aspects of LH2 bunkering.
6. Are there any international standards for LH2 bunkering currently in place?
As of now, there are no international standards specifically covering LH2 bunkering. However, ongoing developments and experiences, such as those gained from the Norwegian ferry MF Hydra, can serve as a basis for creating guidelines and recommendations.
7. What is the role of the Norwegian ferry MF Hydra in LH2 bunkering?
The MF Hydra is the world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry and has been operating since March 2021. It serves as an example of the use of LH2 as a fuel in the maritime industry, and the experiences gained from its operations can contribute to the development of guidelines and recommendations.
8. What is the significance of international standards for LH2 bunkering in the maritime industry?
The development of international standards for LH2 bunkering is essential to promote safe and efficient operations in the maritime industry. These guidelines will support the use of LH2 as a marine fuel and contribute to a more sustainable future with reduced carbon emissions.
Definitions:
– LH2: Liquefied hydrogen gas.
– Bunkering: The process of fueling ships.
– Greenhouse gas emissions: The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
– Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF): A collaborative platform between flag States and classification societies to address maritime industry issues.
– International Maritime Organization (IMO): A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating international shipping.
– Liquefied natural gas (LNG): Natural gas that has been converted to liquid form for ease of storage and transportation.
– Safety Management Systems: Procedures and policies implemented to manage safety risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Suggested related links:
– Maritime Industry
– DNV Maritime (main domain)