Lloyd’s Register (LR) has released a report in its “Fuel for Thought” series, assessing hydrogen’s potential in maritime decarbonization. The report, titled “Fuel for Thought: Hydrogen,” explores hydrogen’s production, supply, and onboard use, emphasizing its advantages and the challenges related to safety, infrastructure, and costs that hinder widespread adoption.
Green hydrogen can achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions when utilized in fuel cells and serves as a fundamental component for e-fuels like ammonia and methanol. However, its low energy density, need for cryogenic storage at -253°C, and safety risks make it unsuitable for many ship types currently. Despite growing interest, hydrogen-capable vessels account for less than 0.5% of the global orderbook.
The report highlights the urgent need for investment in hydrogen production, transport, and bunkering infrastructure to meet rising maritime demand. Additionally, shipping must compete with other industries for green hydrogen, necessitating robust certification and lifecycle assessments. Safety is a critical concern, as hydrogen’s flammability and potential for embrittlement require stringent design standards and specialized crew training.
Despite these challenges, the analysis identifies opportunities for early adoption in short-sea trades, such as ferries and tugs, where regular bunkering can mitigate storage constraints. Fuel cell technologies show promise for these applications, supported by decreasing costs and improved durability. The report is available for download from Lloyd’s Register.
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