Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued the first type approval certificate for a 100 per cent hydrogen-fuelled, spark-ignited marine engine. It marks a significant step in the certification and commercial readiness of hydrogen-fuelled propulsion technology for maritime applications.
The engine has been developed and tested at ABC Engines’ facility in Ghent, Belgium, and is designed to operate entirely on hydrogen, without the need for pilot fuels. This simplifies system design and removes onboard carbon emissions at source, positioning the technology as a practical option for operators exploring zero-carbon propulsion.
Building confidence
Claudene Sharp-Patel, Global Technical Director, LR: ‘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.’
LR previously awarded type approval to BeHydro for its hydrogen-powered dual-fuel engine in 2023, which was the first type approval for a dual-fuel hydrogen engine.
According to BeHydro, the 100 per cent hydrogen engine range is available from 900 kW till 2670 kW for different marine applications.
Fuel for thought
LR has published a report in its award-winning Fuel for thought series, providing a comprehensive assessment of hydrogen’s potential role in maritime decarbonisation. Fuel for thought: Hydrogen examines hydrogen from production and supply through to onboard use, highlighting the fuel’s advantages alongside the safety, infrastructure and cost challenges that currently restrict its adoption.
