Lloyd's Register and Pusan National University Establish Global Certification Framework for Liquid Hydrogen Shipping

UK-based classification society Lloyd's Register and Pusan National University (PNU) have established a partnership to develop the first international certification framework for liquid hydrogen shipping. The collaboration designates PNU's Hydrogen Ship Technology Center as a liquid hydrogen performance evaluation and certification institution under Lloyd's Register's oversight.

The framework will jointly evaluate cryogenic and insulation performance of storage tanks and piping systems, verify structural integrity under operational loads, and conduct safety and risk assessments for onboard storage and transport systems. The certification regime will cover containment systems, materials, and onboard infrastructure specific to liquid hydrogen storage and transport applications.

The partnership combines Lloyd's Register's maritime classification expertise with PNU's research capabilities in cryogenic engineering. The framework aims to define testing methodologies and certification procedures tailored to marine environments, with results informing future class rules and international regulatory development.

According to Lloyd's Register's Global Technical Director Claudene Sharp-Patel, the certification pathway is expected to accelerate project development and reduce barriers to entry for liquid hydrogen shipping by providing technical assurance for shipowners, yards, and regulators. The framework builds on existing joint research between the parties into cryogenic engineering for liquid hydrogen carriers.

Originally reported by Offshore Energy. Read the full article →