ClassNK releases “Guidelines for Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers (Edition 3.0)
responding to diversification of cargo containment systems and reflecting latest findings
ClassNK has introduced the latest “Guidelines for Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers (Edition 3.0)” to ensure the safety of ships that transport liquefied hydrogen. These guidelines are vital for encouraging new technological developments and improving safety in hydrogen transportation.
Why Liquefied Hydrogen is Important
Hydrogen is seen as a clean energy source that can help reduce pollution. Many experts believe that hydrogen will play a big role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable world. But before that can happen, we need to build a strong and safe hydrogen supply chain. This includes developing ships, called liquefied hydrogen carriers, that can safely transport hydrogen in large amounts.
Challenges with Transporting Hydrogen
One of the hardest parts of transporting hydrogen is keeping it at extremely cold temperatures. For hydrogen to stay in its liquid form, it must be stored at minus 253 degrees Celsius. This is much colder than the freezing point of water! Keeping it this cold is necessary so it doesn’t turn into a gas.
Back in 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted special safety rules called “Interim Recommendations for Carriage of Liquefied Hydrogen in Bulk.” These rules help guide companies that build and operate liquefied hydrogen carriers. Since then, there has been progress in building larger and more advanced hydrogen carriers.
ClassNK’s Role in Improving Safety
ClassNK, which is a big name in the shipping industry, has been working closely with IMO. They help make sure that the safety rules for hydrogen carriers are up to date. As hydrogen carriers become more advanced, so do the safety measures. ClassNK has been a leader in these discussions and has contributed its expertise.
In 2021, experts began talking about updating the safety rules. This led ClassNK to release Edition 3.0 of their guidelines, which includes several important updates. For example, new safety measures were added for carriers with different designs than earlier versions. These new designs allow for the transport of more hydrogen at once, making the process more efficient.
What’s New in the Guidelines?
Here are some of the key updates in Edition 3.0 of ClassNK’s guidelines:
- New safety requirements: These are meant to cover new types of ships that transport liquefied hydrogen.
- Clear guidelines for materials: There is now an annex that helps in choosing the right metal materials for hydrogen equipment. This is important because the materials used must withstand the extremely cold temperatures of liquefied hydrogen.
Ensuring Safety in Hydrogen Transport
ClassNK believes that by following these guidelines, companies can build safer liquefied hydrogen carriers. These guidelines help make sure that risks are assessed and all safety measures are in place.
This is an important step toward building a better and safer hydrogen supply chain. With the right safety measures, liquefied hydrogen carriers can become a key part of our future energy system.
