DNV Releases Recommended Practice for Offshore Hydrogen Pipeline Safety

DNV, an accredited registrar and classification society, has released a new recommended practice for offshore hydrogen pipelines designed to address safety and integrity considerations unique to hydrogen service. The DNV-RP-F123 Hydrogen pipeline systems standard supplements DNV's established submarine pipeline standard, DNV-ST-F101, originally published in 1976.

The recommended practice provides guidance tailored to transporting hydrogen gas and hydrogen blends in pipeline systems. It is applicable to new pipeline developments and organizations considering requalifying existing offshore infrastructure for hydrogen transport. The standard addresses hydrogen-specific risks including hydrogen embrittlement and establishes material suitability requirements and safety margins for pipeline systems.

Developed through the H2Pipe joint industry project (JIP) spanning 2021 to 2026, the recommended practice consolidates research, testing, and industry experience. The JIP involved 37 industry partners, including operators, manufacturers, engineering companies, and academic advisors.

DNV is now advancing Phase 3 of the project, which will include large-scale pipe testing at DNV's Spadeadam Research and Development Facility. Results from these tests are intended to validate data and advance existing standards, feeding into continued development of DNV-RP-F123 and future guidance.

Originally reported by Offshore Energy. Read the full article →