Global certification framework first for liquid hydrogen

The collaboration between Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Pusan National University’s (PNU) Hydrogen Ship Technology Center will establish an internationally recognised certification framework for liquid hydrogen carriers and onboard systems, supporting the adoption of alternative fuels in shipping.

“As pressure mounts on shipping to decarbonise, the introduction of a clear and technically robust certification pathway for liquid hydrogen systems is expected to accelerate project development and reduce barriers to entry,” said Claudene Sharp-Patel, global technical director at Lloyd’s Register.

“By aligning testing, verification and certification under a recognised framework, our partnership with PNU aims to provide the level of assurance required for shipowners, yards and regulators to advance liquid hydrogen from concept to commercial reality.” 

Absence of standards

Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Seoul by PNU President Jae-Won Choi and LR CEO Nick Brown, the initiative addresses the absence of agreed standards that has slowed progress in hydrogen-based maritime projects.

Liquid hydrogen presents significant technical challenges, including storage at approximately –253°C and stringent requirements for materials, containment systems and safety design.

The proposed certification framework aims to provide a consistent and globally applicable basis for evaluating performance, safety and reliability, reducing uncertainty during design and approval phases.

It will combine LR’s classification expertise with PNU’s cryogenic engineering research, covering containment systems, materials and onboard infrastructure.

The framework will also include testing methodologies, structural verification and risk assessments tailored to marine environments, supporting early-stage liquid hydrogen carriers as alternative fuels gain traction across the shipping sector.