Advancing Safety & Technology: ClassNK Releases Guidelines for Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers
Key Ideas
  • ClassNK releases guidelines for liquefied hydrogen carriers to enhance safety and promote technological advancements in the shipping industry.
  • The development of liquefied hydrogen carriers is crucial for establishing a hydrogen supply chain, supporting the shift towards clean energy in a decarbonized society.
  • IMO has been working on safety requirements for liquefied hydrogen carriers, focusing on extreme temperature control, and ClassNK has been actively contributing its expertise to this effort.
  • The updated guidelines (Edition 3.0) reflect new safety requirements, expanded scope, and guidance for the selection of metallic materials, ensuring the safety of liquid hydrogen carriers.
ClassNK, based in Tokyo, has recently released the 'Guidelines for Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers (Edition 3.0)', aimed at evaluating the safety of liquefied hydrogen carriers to drive advancements in associated technologies. These guidelines are essential for the development of a reliable supply chain for hydrogen, considered a vital clean energy source in a decarbonized world. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been actively involved in setting safety standards for liquefied hydrogen carriers, which are required to maintain cargo at an ultra-low temperature of minus 253 degrees Celsius. The interim recommendations for the carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk, established in 2016, have paved the way for the construction of larger-scale carriers with innovative cargo containment systems. Discussions at the IMO have been ongoing since 2021 to revise these recommendations, with ClassNK playing a key role as an expert in conventions and regulations. Following the adoption of revised interim recommendations, ClassNK updated the guidelines to Edition 3.0, incorporating changes and insights gained from related projects. Notably, new safety requirements for cargo containment systems and guidance on selecting metallic materials suitable for liquid hydrogen carriers have been added. Compliance with these guidelines ensures the safety of liquid hydrogen carriers through risk assessments and safety measures. The guidelines are accessible for download on ClassNK's website, offering valuable insights to stakeholders in the shipping industry and beyond.
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