Korean Register (KR) has released a research report analyzing the safety challenges associated with hydrogen-fueled ships and outlining key risk factors and mitigation measures to support the safe adoption of hydrogen in the maritime sector.
The publication comes amid growing international efforts to establish regulatory frameworks for hydrogen as a marine fuel. At the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (IMO CCC), draft interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen as fuel were developed. The guidelines are expected to receive final approval at the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), scheduled for May 2026.
Hydrogen, which emits no carbon during combustion, is gaining attention as a promising alternative fuel for maritime decarbonization. It can also serve as a feedstock for producing other alternative fuels such as methanol, suggesting that hydrogen-based fuel supply chains are likely to expand in the future. As international trade and transportation of hydrogen increase, demand for hydrogen carriers and hydrogen-fueled ships is also expected to grow.
However, hydrogen presents several safety challenges due to its unique physical and chemical properties. These include high flammability and explosion risks, hydrogen embrittlement, and the need for extreme storage conditions compared with conventional marine fuels.
For safe onboard storage and use, hydrogen must be handled either as compressed hydrogen or liquefied hydrogen. This requires storage under extremely high pressures hundreds of times atmospheric pressure or at cryogenic temperatures of approximately −253°C. As a result, ensuring the safety and reliability of hydrogen fuel containment systems, fuel supply systems, and related onboard infrastructure has become a key technical priority.
To support the commercialization of hydrogen as a marine fuel and enhance industry understanding of its safety implications, KR developed the report as a technical reference for the maritime sector. The publication provides an overview of maritime hydrogen systems, analyzes hydrogen-related accident cases, identifies key hazards and mitigation strategies, and reviews relevant international regulations.
KIM Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR, stated, “We hope this research will serve as a useful reference for industry, academia, and research institutions involved in the development of hydrogen-fueled ships. We will continue to support our customers and the maritime industry by advancing technology development and sharing the latest technical knowledge to help address evolving environmental regulations.”
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