Hydrogen’s Role in Maritime Decarbonisation Explored
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has released a new report in its acclaimed Fuel for Thought series, focusing on hydrogen’s potential in maritime decarbonisation. The report, titled “Fuel for Thought: Hydrogen,” evaluates hydrogen from production to onboard usage, addressing both its benefits and the challenges that hinder its widespread adoption. With increasing regulatory pressures, the report highlights the urgent need for advancements in hydrogen infrastructure and safety measures.
Challenges and Opportunities in Hydrogen Adoption
The report emphasizes that while green hydrogen can achieve zero tank-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions when utilized in fuel cells, several obstacles remain. Hydrogen’s low volumetric energy density and the necessity for cryogenic storage at -253°C pose significant challenges for various ship types. Additionally, safety concerns related to hydrogen’s flammability and potential for embrittlement require stringent design standards and specialized crew training.
Despite the growing interest in hydrogen, particularly as regulations tighten, hydrogen-capable vessels currently make up less than 0.5% of the global orderbook. The report notes that shipowners are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions in line with the EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 net-zero targets. The FuelEU Maritime initiative offers a two-times multiplier for renewable fuels of non-biological origin until 2033, which could accelerate hydrogen’s adoption as production scales up.
However, the lack of infrastructure remains a critical barrier. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), low-emissions hydrogen, including green and blue hydrogen, accounted for less than 1% of global production in 2025. Significant investments in production, transport, and bunkering infrastructure are essential to meet the maritime industry’s growing demand for hydrogen. Furthermore, shipping must compete with other sectors for green hydrogen, necessitating robust certification schemes and transparent lifecycle assessments.
Pathways to Safe and Scalable Hydrogen Use
Despite the challenges, the report identifies promising near-term opportunities for hydrogen adoption, particularly in short-sea trades such as ferries, tugs, and coastal vessels. These applications benefit from regular bunkering cycles, which mitigate the constraints of onboard storage. Fuel cell technologies are highlighted as particularly suitable for these scenarios, supported by decreasing costs and advancements in durability. Hydrogen-ready designs and hybrid fuel strategies also present practical solutions for shipowners looking to future-proof their assets.
Padmini Mellacheruvu, LR’s Lead Technical Specialist in Cryogenic and Compressed Fuel Systems, stated, “Hydrogen has an important role to play in the maritime energy transition, but the pathway to scale is complex. Progress will depend on early investment, careful planning, and a clear focus on safety.”
Dr. Maximilian Kuhn, an advisor to Hydrogen Europe, contributed a foreword to the report, emphasizing hydrogen’s potential as a transformative force in maritime decarbonisation. He acknowledged the significant hurdles that remain, including infrastructure, regulation, safety, and cost, while underscoring the need for innovation, investment, and international collaboration to overcome these challenges.
This comprehensive assessment by Lloyd’s Register sheds light on the dual nature of hydrogen as both a promising solution and a complex challenge in the quest for sustainable maritime operations.
