Operation and maintenance

This LAP looks at the difference in the service and maintenance inspection (process and requirement) for a hydrogen vessel compared to vessels using other low flash-point fuels. It also lists the responsible authorities or independent bodies assigned to carry out technical inspections

Glossary:

The owner of a boat or ship using fuel cells and hydrogen as (primary or auxiliary) propulsion is required to
to ensure and document that operational procedures for the loading, storage, operation, maintenance, and inspection of systems for gas or low-flashpoint fuels minimize the risk to personnel, the ship and the environment and that are consistent with practices for a
conventional oil fuelled ship whilst taking into account the nature of the liquid or gaseous fuel. (By IMO resolution (MSC.391(95))

Pan-European Assessment:

There are no special requirements for ships using hydrogen as propulsion, except those of the IGF Code, so as per now there is no barrier specifically for hydrogen. However, the additional documentation requirements for alternative designs could perhaps be followed by specific operation and maintenance requirements in future
Is it a barrier?
Yes
Type of Barrier
Regulatory gap
Assessment Severity
1
Assessment
There are no regulations or standards for safety installation and use of fuel cells in ships, bunkering and on–board storage of hydrogen.

The impact of this lap, as a barrier and regulatory gap is difficult to estimate, due to lack of experience among the relevant stakeholders..

Questions:

Question 1 Is there a difference in the service and maintenance inspection (process and requirement) for a hydrogen vessel compared to vessels using other low flash-point fuels? a - all cases
a - The inspections are aimed on the verification of the entire security system on German–flagged seagoing ships. Inspections on a national level are carried out by the flag state authority BSH in accordance with section A/4.4. of the ISPS–Code and section 8 of the German Federal Maritime Responsibilities Act. However, in different flag states quality and intensity of inspections differ widely. This is where port State control gets involved: as „second line of defence“. Port State control inspections reinforce the inspections performed by flag states. The port State control in Germany is carried out by the Ship Safety Division of the BG(trade assossiation) Transport (Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit der Berufsgenossenschaft für Transport und Verkehrswirtschaft (BG Verkehr). Port State control officers check on board of ships whether the international instruments on ship safety, prevention of marine pollution and on working and living conditions of seafarers are complied with. The inspections are performed according to uniform survey procedures. The inspection results are compiled in a supranational database according to Paris MoU. https://www.parismou.org/inspection–search/inspection–search
Question 1 Is there a difference in the service and maintenance inspection (process and requirement) for a hydrogen vessel compared to vessels using other low flash-point fuels? b - additional requirements in case of liquid hydrogen
b - n/a
Question 1 Is there a difference in the service and maintenance inspection (process and requirement) for a hydrogen vessel compared to vessels using other low flash-point fuels? c - additional requirements in case of compressed gaseous hydrogen If yes, please specify, e.g. what are the specific maintenance needs and service requirements for hydrogen vehicles?
c - n/a n/a
Question 2 Which are the responsible authorities/independent bodies to carry out technical inspections?
For inspections at national level – The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency ( Bundesamt für Seeschiffahrt und Hydrographie). For port state inspections – port state control officers from the Ship Safety Division of the BG Transport.
Describe the comparable technology and its relevance with regard to hydrogen
Conventionl ships

National legislation:

EU Legislation: