ClassNK releases 'Guidelines for Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers (Edition 3.1)'

ClassNK has released the ‘Guidelines for Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers (Edition 3.1)’. The revision incorporates the ‘Revised Interim Recommendations for Carriage of Liquefied Hydrogen in Bulk’*, adopted by the IMO in 2026, and updates the existing safety requirements, including guidance on the selection of materials and welding practices for hydrogen equipment.

Through this revision, shipyards, designers, shipowners and other maritime stakeholders can gain a clear understanding of the safety requirements for liquefied hydrogen carriers and can proceed with their design studies and safety assessments more smoothly.

In response to recent developments in liquefied hydrogen carrier design, the Revised Interim Recommendations for Carriage of Liquefied Hydrogen in Bulk were adopted at the 111th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111), introducing additional safety requirements for cargo containment systems based on new design concepts.

The revised ClassNK Guidelines incorporate the provisions of these IMO Interim Recommendations while also reflecting the latest knowledge and experience gained through the construction and operation of demonstration vessels, as well as various research and development projects.

The guidelines are available to download via ‘Guidelines’ of My Page on ClassNK’s website after registration.