DNV issues recommended practice for hydrogen as a marine fuel

DNV has released a new recommended practice (RP 0703) specifically addressing the use of hydrogen as a marine fuel, a crucial step in the sector’s decarbonization journey. This guidance focuses on the essential element of competence, outlining requirements for crew, inspectors, and technical personnel involved in handling hydrogen systems on board vessels.

Key Technical Specifications and Facts

DNV RP 0703 offers guidance for the safe handling of hydrogen systems on board vessels. It is designed to serve as a foundation for developing operational procedures and emergency preparedness plans. The recommended practice complements existing maritime regulations such as the STCW Convention and the ISM Code. It is specifically aimed at enhancing competence related to hydrogen handling.

The document builds upon DNV’s established competence frameworks for other low-emission fuels like LNG, ammonia, and methanol. It is intended for a wide range of stakeholders, including shipowners, operators, maritime academies, training institutions, and certification bodies. These stakeholders can utilize the RP in training programs, curriculum development, and competence assessment.

The development of RP 0703 involved collaboration with industry partners such as Samskip, eCap Marine, Naval Dynamics, Chart Industries, LH2 Shipping, Torghatten, Shell, Everllence, and GreenH. This collaborative approach ensures the guidance is practical and relevant to the challenges faced in real-world hydrogen operations. DNV anticipates that the recommended practice will continue to evolve as operational experience with hydrogen-fueled vessels grows.

Technical Analysis — Addressing Hydrogen’s Unique Challenges

Hydrogen, while promising as a clean fuel, presents unique technical challenges compared to traditional fuels. These challenges include:

• Leakage Risks: Hydrogen molecules are very small and can leak through seals and materials that would contain other fuels.
• Low Ignition Energy: Hydrogen has a very low ignition energy, meaning it can be easily ignited by sparks or static electricity.
• Storage Complexity: Storing hydrogen requires either high-pressure compression or cryogenic temperatures, both of which demand specialized equipment and procedures.

DNV RP 0703 aims to address these challenges by providing clear guidance on safe handling practices. The focus on competence is crucial, as well-trained personnel are essential for mitigating the risks associated with hydrogen. The RP also acknowledges the need for robust safety regulations and guidelines to facilitate the transition from demonstration projects to widespread commercial use of hydrogen in shipping.

Industry and Regulatory Context

The maritime industry is under increasing pressure to decarbonize, and hydrogen is emerging as a potential solution. DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook Hydrogen to 2060 projects that maritime shipping will account for 15% of total clean hydrogen use by 2060. This projection highlights the significant role hydrogen is expected to play in the future of shipping.

However, the adoption of hydrogen in shipping is still in its early stages. A small number of vessels are currently in operation, and several dozen more are on order. The lack of established regulations and standards poses a challenge to the widespread adoption of hydrogen. DNV RP 0703 is a step towards addressing this challenge by providing a framework for safe handling and competence development.

The recommended practice is designed to complement existing maritime regulations such as the STCW Convention and the ISM Code. This approach ensures that hydrogen-specific competence guidance is integrated into the existing regulatory framework. The involvement of industry partners in the development of RP 0703 ensures that the guidance is practical and aligned with the needs of the industry.

Why This Matters for the Hydrogen Shipping Sector

DNV RP 0703 is a significant development for the hydrogen shipping sector for several reasons:

• Promotes Safety: By providing guidance on safe handling practices and competence requirements, the RP helps to mitigate the risks associated with hydrogen.
• Facilitates Adoption: The RP provides a framework for developing operational procedures and emergency preparedness plans, which can help to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen in shipping.
• Enhances Competence: By focusing on competence requirements for crew, inspectors, and technical personnel, the RP ensures that the workforce is prepared to handle hydrogen safely and effectively.
• Supports Regulatory Development: The RP can serve as a basis for the development of more comprehensive regulations and standards for hydrogen in shipping.

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, CEO Maritime at DNV, emphasizes the importance of developing competence levels among seafarers in parallel with technical solutions. Kirsten Birgitte Strømsnes, Business Development Leader in DNV, highlights the need for training crew and shore-based personnel on the specific hazards of hydrogen. These statements underscore the critical role of competence in the safe and successful adoption of hydrogen in shipping.

Challenges and Open Questions

While DNV RP 0703 is a valuable step forward, some challenges and open questions remain:

• Scalability of Training: How can training programs be scaled up to meet the growing demand for hydrogen-competent personnel?
• International Harmonization: How can regulations and standards for hydrogen in shipping be harmonized internationally to ensure consistency and facilitate cross-border operations?
• Cost of Implementation: What are the costs associated with implementing the RP, and how can these costs be minimized to encourage adoption?
• Public Perception: How can public perception of hydrogen safety be improved to address concerns and build confidence in the technology?

Addressing these challenges and open questions will be essential for realizing the full potential of hydrogen as a marine fuel. Continuous research, development, and collaboration among industry stakeholders will be necessary to overcome these hurdles and pave the way for a sustainable future for the shipping sector.

Sources

safety4sea.com — https://safety4sea.com/dnv-issues-recommended-practice-for-hydrogen-as-a-marine-fuel/