ViganPort of StocktonTelestackTMS Awards 2023Port of South LouisianaCimbria
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Sailors Society
  • Port of Stockton
  • Van Aalst
  • Telestack

ClassNK releases latest guidelines for fuel cell power systems

ClassNK releases latest guidelines for fuel cell power systems

(Posted on 02/10/23)

ClassNK has released "Guidelines for Fuel Cell Power Systems On Board Ships (Second Edition)", which cover safety provisions related to the design of ships powered by fuel cells as well as fuel cell power systems themselves, coming in anticipation of the growing adoption of fuel cells in maritime transport.

Fuel cells are power systems that use electrical energy obtained from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Notably, they do not emit CO2 during electricity generation, positioning them as a potential solution to help reduce GHG emissions from shipping.

On the other hand, the use of fuel cells entails handling hydrogen, which has many physical properties distinct from conventional fuel gases. To ensure safety, it is critical to take sufficient measures. Discussions are currently underway at the IMO to amend the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) to include provisions specific to fuel cells. At MSC105, the interim Guidelines for the safety of ships using fuel cell power installations*1 were approved.

In this recent update, ClassNK has incorporated the contents of the IMO Interim Guidelines into its "Guidelines for Fuel Cell Power Systems On Board Ships (Second Edition)." These guidelines outline the latest safety measures for installing fuel cell power in vessels, including design principles for related equipment, fire safety, electrical systems, control, monitoring, and safety systems. The guidelines also set out requirements for a class notation for vessels that meet these provisions. Moreover, an annex detailing the examination requirements for fuel cell power systems, based on relevant IEC standards and regulations, has been added.

The guidelines are available to download via "Guidelines" of My Page on ClassNK’s website after registration. https://www.classnk.or.jp/account/en/Rules_Guidance/ssl/guidelines.aspx

 

Latest News

Damen completes green retrofit project for BAM Shipping

(Posted on 15/05/25)

Damen Shipyards Group, together with partners including Atal Solutions has completed its retrofit of... Read more


NORDEN expands MPP fleet, reinforcing growth in Projects & Parcelling

(Posted on 15/05/25)

NORDEN has announced that it has signed agreements for two additional 17,500 dwt Multi-purpose (MPP)... Read more


ClassNK’s ‘Guidelines for Safety Operation for Ammonia-Fueled Vessels’

(Posted on 15/05/25)

ClassNK has released the ‘Guidelines for Safety Operation for Ammonia-Fueled Vessels’ for... Read more


Better safeguarding measures needed to support cadets at sea

(Posted on 07/05/25)

Cadets are increasingly struggling to complete their cadetships due to a shortage of available placements... Read more


Algoma focuses on reliable service and fleet improvements

(Posted on 07/05/25)

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Algoma... Read more


ClassNK releases ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’

(Posted on 01/05/25)

ClassNK has released ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’ which aim to achieve sustainable... Read more


MCTC ensures quality remains at top of the table amid global tensions

(Posted on 30/04/25)

In the face of unpredictable provisioning costs, port disruptions, and longer lead times MCTC has reinforced... Read more


NORDEN raises full-year guidance for 2025

(Posted on 28/04/25)

On the back of the increased gains from sales of vessels and good operational performance, NORDEN, a... Read more


INTERCARGO welcomes ILO recognition of seafarers as key workers

(Posted on 28/04/25)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has welcomed the recent decision... Read more


MMS advises why seafarers must remain vigilant about malaria

(Posted on 25/04/25)

Despite its lack of publicity, malaria remains an ongoing epidemic and a perilous threat to seafarers... Read more


TBA GroupGeneva DrySailors SocietyBühler GmbHVan Aalst
  • TBA Group
  • Geneva Dry
  • Vigan

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping