LR advances hydrogen shipping

The classification society has issued the first Type Approval Certificate for a 100% hydrogen-fuelled, spark-ignited marine engine, developed by BeHydro and tested at ABC Engines’ facility in Ghent. The approval confirms that the engine meets LR’s requirements for safety, reliability and performance in marine applications.

Designed to operate entirely on hydrogen without the need for pilot fuels, the engine eliminates onboard carbon emissions at source and is being positioned as a practical zero-carbon propulsion option for shipowners exploring alternative fuels.

Claudene Sharp-Patel, global technical director at Lloyd’s Register, said: “The issue of this Type Approval Certificate demonstrates that hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine technology is continuing to mature as a viable option for maritime applications.

“For shipowners and operators, independent certification is essential in building confidence that emerging fuel technologies can meet the industry’s expectations for safety, reliability and operational performance.”

Tim Berckmoes, chief executive of ABC Engines, welcomed the approval, describing it as an important milestone for hydrogen-powered shipping.

“This LRS type approval of our BeHydro 100% hydrogen engines with zero emissions is a confirmation of the future proof technology that BeHydro can offer to innovative shipowners worldwide,” he said.

“The 100% hydrogen engine range is available from 900 kW till 2670 kW for different marine applications.”

The approval follows LR’s earlier certification of BeHydro’s dual-fuel hydrogen engine in 2023 and comes alongside the publication of a new report examining hydrogen’s potential role in maritime decarbonisation.

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At the same time, LR has launched its New Construction Guide, aimed at helping owners, operators and project teams make more informed newbuild investment decisions.

With fuel transition strategies, regulatory compliance and long-term competitiveness now key considerations, the guide provides intelligence on North Asian shipyards to help buyers compare facilities, shortlist candidates and enter technical discussions with greater confidence.