Hydrogen has taken a step closer to real-world use in international shipping after the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) completed new safety guidance at its 11th session earlier this month.
The session, held from 8–12 September, finalised interim rules for using hydrogen as fuel on board ships.
The framework applies to three different types– liquefied hydrogen, as well as portable and fixed compressed hydrogen systems – with all required to be installed on open deck, class society DNV said.
Alongside the fuel guidelines, the sub-committee introduced updated recommendations for carrying liquefied hydrogen in bulk, this time including design provisions for membrane containment systems.
Draft amendments to the International Gas Carrier (IGC) Code were also cleared, with a planned entry into force in July 2028, subject to final approval from the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).
Hydrogen was not the only focus. CCC 11 reshaped its work programme on alternative fuels, putting revisions to methanol and ethanol guidelines at the top of the list, as well as new rules for fuel cell installations and carbon capture systems at sea. Delegates also advanced a strategy to address the recurring problem of container losses.
All measures will now move up the IMO ladder to the MSC, which is due to consider them in May 2026.
