The shipping and maritime transport industry plays an important role in the global economy, with about 80% of international trade by sea. However, this sector also contributes greatly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly CO2 and NOx, which risk polluting the environment and human health. The development of Alternative Fuels is part of the effort to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the targets listed in the Paris Agreement as well as the issuance of MARPOL 73/76 Annex VI and Minister of Transportation Regulation No. 29 of 2014 regarding the limits of sulfur content in ship fuel.

Hydrogen, as an energy source with high energy content, is now receiving attention as an environmentally friendly alternative fuel. When used, hydrogen only produces water vapor (H2O) as the final product, making it a potential solution to replace fossil fuels in the shipping sector.

In Indonesia, the development of hydrogen use as an energy source is currently dominated by PT. PLN, where there are currently 21 Green Hydrogen Power Plants spread throughout Indonesia which are currently used as coolants for power plant generators, and it is hoped that they can be utilized for other purposes, one of which is related to the potential of hydrogen as a fuel. The development of hydrogen as a ship fuel not only supports environmental preservation and the sustainability of the shipping industry but also opens new business opportunities. PT. Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (BKI) has an important role in this transition, through the development of safety standards, technology testing, and certification of hydrogen-fueled ships.

Purpose of recommendation:
To provide recommendations to the regulations and applications development team regarding the development of guidelines for the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel on ships.

Content of Recommendation
The following are the things that need to be considered in the use of hydrogen as a fuel: Hydrogen is very possible as an alternative fuel, viewed from safety robustness, technology robustness, and resource availability.

However, several things need to be a safety focus, among them are:

The flammable nature of hydrogen with low ignition energy causes a high risk of fire and explosion, thus requiring gas detectors, good ventilation, and special firefighting systems.

High combustion speed increases the risk of detonation, thus requiring a pressure relief system and special attention to the hydrogen storage and distribution system from damage due to high pressure, heat, and mechanical impacts that may occur due to leaks or explosions...

The low boiling point of liquid hydrogen can clog pipes with contaminants, thus requiring thermal insulation and the design of a routine cleaning system.

Hydrogen embrittlement in materials requires the use of hydrogen-resistant materials such as special alloys.

High-pressure release risks causing spontaneous ignition, thus requiring double piping and pressure control.

Accumulation in enclosed spaces increases the risk of explosion, thus requiring optimal ventilation and strategic gas detectors.

Extreme cooling due to LH2 leakage can cause structural damage, thus a thermal insulation system and real-time temperature monitoring are needed.

The risk of asphyxia due to leakage requires monitoring of oxygen levels and hydrogen leakage alarms.

These guidelines can refer to the Guidelines for Using Gas or other low flash point fuels, with some specific additions for hydrogen fuel.

The following is a proposed outline for the Guidelines for using hydrogen as fuel:

Sec. 3. General

Scope of Guidelines

Discusses the scope of the use of guidelines for new constructions as well as existing ships.

Definitions

The use of terms in the guidelines can be made in this sub-section; if there are not too many terms then this sub-section can be omitted.

Notations

For Notations, it is divided based on the levels that can be achieved by the shipowner; this aims for the shipowner to be able to meet the requirements of the guidelines.

With the proposed notation:

LFF+SF/DF/FC/+Hydrogen+Lv.

The Level is measured based on readiness.

Lv.1: Drawing/Design Approval

Lv. 2: Materials and Components of hydrogen-fueled ships

Lv. 3: Installation on hydrogen-fueled ships

Plans and Data to be Submitted

Contains a list of data required to be attached in the submission, including design plans, risk assessment, to ensure compliance with the guidelines.

References

This section lists the relevant documents, standards, and regulations that form the basis for the requirements set forth in the guidelines.

Sec. 4. Goal and Functional Requirement

Goal: Contains the purpose and benefits of the Guidelines.

Functional Requirement: This section discusses the essential functions that must be fulfilled by the hydrogen system in ship operations, ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards.

Sec. 5. Safety Assessment

Discusses the risk assessment aspects of using hydrogen fuel on ships, from hazard identification, risk analysis, to risk assessment.

Sec. 6. Ship Design and Arrangement

Provides guidelines regarding optimal design and space arrangement for hydrogen systems on board, with a focus on safety and operational efficiency which includes General Arrangement, Hydrogen Fuel Tank Location, Hydrogen Fuel Tank Storage Arrangement, Tank Connection Space, Fuel Preparation Room, Fuel Bunkering Station, Machinery Spaces, Gas valve units spaces, Bilge system, Drip Trays.

Sec. 7. Control Atmosphere

Discusses the requirements for maintaining a safe atmosphere in areas where hydrogen is present, including ventilation strategies and inerting procedures.

Sec. 8. Materials and General Pipe Design

Explains material specifications suitable for hydrogen service as well as general design principles for piping systems to ensure safety and reliability.

Sec. 9. Bunkering

Provides guidelines on safe bunkering practices, detailing procedures for transferring hydrogen fuel to the ship by minimizing the risk of leaks or accidents.

Sec. 10. Fuel Containment System

Provides requirements for designing an effective fuel containment system to prevent leaks and ensure the safe storage of hydrogen on board.

Sec. 11. Venting and Pressure Relief System

Explains the requirements for ventilation systems and pressure relief mechanisms to safely manage excess pressure in hydrogen storage tanks.

Sec. 12. Hydrogen Piping and Equipment System

Details design standards for piping systems and equipment used in the transportation of hydrogen fuel within the ship, ensuring integrity under operational conditions.

Sec. 13. Machinery, Electricity and Fire Protection

Provides guidelines related to machinery that uses hydrogen fuel, electrical systems in hazardous areas, as well as fire protection measures.

Sec. 14. Control, Monitoring and Safety System

Emphasizes the need for a robust monitoring system to detect leaks or failures in the hydrogen system, ensuring a swift response capability.

Sec. 15. Onboard Testing

This section discusses the requirements for hydrogen pipes that will be used on the ship.

Sec. 16. Survey and Certification

This section discusses the survey process required for the certification of hydrogen systems on board to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Sec. 17. Training, Drills and Emergency Exercises

Guidelines on training crew members in safely handling hydrogen, conducting drills, and preparing for emergency situations are emphasized here.

Sec. 18. Operation

Best practices for operating hydrogen-fueled ships are described in this section to ensure the safe and efficient use of hydrogen as a maritime fuel source.