ABS Releases Guidelines for Hydrogen-Fueled Vessels

Classification society, ABS, has recently published a comprehensive set of requirements designed to assist the maritime industry in making use of hydrogen-fuelled vessels. The ABS Requirements for Hydrogen Fueled Vessels represents an innovative risk assessment framework for introducing hydrogen as marine fuel to a vessel fleet. The publication represents ABS’ focus on alternative fuels such as hydrogen, leveraging the guidelines it provides, for instance, the ABS-classed, Glosten-designed hydrogen-fueled research vessel for the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

ABS has also provided support to innovative vessels such as the Veer Voyage. This wind-powered containership uses auxiliary fuel cell propulsion which utilizes green hydrogen as fuel. The risk assessment guidelines recently defined in the ABS document helped ABS to offer its support for such innovative vessels. ABS is also cooperating with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to carry out a multi-year study examining key aspects of the decarbonization of shipping. The study, focused not only on hydrogen but also on sustainability technologies such as air lubrication, ammonia, biofuels, and wind-assisted propulsion, underlines ABS’ commitment to alternative and sustainable energy sources.

Gareth Burton, ABS Vice President, Technology, has emphasized the ABS commitment to the safe development and use of hydrogen as a marine fuel. In his view, “Of the alternative fuels being considered in the clean energy transition, hydrogen is one of the potential zero-emission fuel sources. The requirements we have developed are a key step toward supporting vessels on their decarbonization journey.” The ABS focus on hydrogen fuel technologies and its comprehensive regulatory framework are sure to be central in the transition towards clean and renewable energy sources in shipping.

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