Advancing Hydrogen Bunkering Standards for Maritime Industry in the US
Key Ideas
- Established LNG bunkering standards in the US could facilitate the rapid adoption of liquid hydrogen as a marine fuel.
- SWITCH Maritime is pioneering the use of liquid hydrogen-powered vessels in the US, transitioning from gaseous hydrogen to cryogenic liquid hydrogen for larger zero-emissions ships.
- The use of liquid hydrogen is seen as promising due to its status as a non-carbon energy carrier, with water vapor as the only emission during use.
- The regulatory framework for cryogenic liquid hydrogen fueling aligns with existing standards for LNG, providing a solid foundation for adoption in the maritime sector.
The maritime industry in the United States is making strides towards incorporating hydrogen as a viable alternative marine fuel. While LNG currently leads as the alternative bunker fuel, there is growing interest in utilizing liquid hydrogen due to its non-carbon nature and minimal emissions profile. However, the industry faces challenges in establishing bunkering standards for liquid hydrogen, with regulatory hurdles often proving more complex than technical aspects. Despite this, SWITCH Maritime is forging ahead with plans to introduce a liquid hydrogen-powered vessel in San Francisco Bay. The company has already launched a gaseous hydrogen-fueled vessel in the area and is now developing a larger catamaran for the same ferry service, with plans to transition to cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage for bigger vessels like passenger ferries and harbor tugs. The advantage of using liquid hydrogen lies in its alignment with established regulatory codes for cryogenic LNG fueling, providing a familiar framework for implementation. Pace Ralli, the Founder & CEO of SWITCH, is optimistic about the future of liquid hydrogen fueling in the maritime sector. The shift towards hydrogen as a marine fuel signals a positive step towards reducing emissions and advancing sustainable practices in the maritime industry.