Requirements for Fuel Cell Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications published by ABS

The American Bureau of Shipping has published the Requirements for Fuel Cell Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications.

These requirements were published on 1 August 2023 and entered into force on the same date.

Foreword

This document has been developed to provide requirements for the design, construction, testing and survey of vessels utilizing fuel cells.

This document focuses on the safe use of fuel cell systems and arrangements for propulsion and auxiliary systems.

The requirements in this document have been developed considering the IMO Draft Interim Guideline to the IGF Code (IMO’s International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels) pertaining to fuel cells.

The applicable edition of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels is to be used in association with this document.

The July 2022 version changes the document type from “Guide” to “Requirements”.

“Requirements” documents contain mandatory criteria for Classification and issuance of Class Certificates, while Guides contain only requirements for optional Notations (see 1-1-4/1.5 of the ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification (Part 1)).

The title is changed from "Guide for Fuel Cell Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications" to "Requirements for Fuel Cell Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications".

Accordingly, editorial changes are made throughout this document.

The August 2023 version of the document includes revisons to the requirements based on MSC.1/ Circ.1647, Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Fuel Cell Power Installations.

Application

This document is applicable to marine and offshore assets designed, constructed, or retrofitted with fuel cells using a gaseous fuel as well as liquid fuels.

Where a fuel cell power system is to be installed, it is to comply with the requirements in this document and is to be verified by ABS.

This document is applicable to fuel cell power systems used for auxiliary and main electric power systems on board vessels, offshore structures, and floating production installations (FPIs).

When Type Approval for a fuel cell power system is requested, applicants should contact ABS for the approval process.

For ABS Type Approval Program requirements, refer to 1-1-4/7.7, Appendix 1-1-A3, and Appendix 1-1-A4 of the ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification (Part 1).

Alternative certification schemes are also available in 1-1-A3/5.5 of the ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification (Part 1).

This document makes reference to the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels (Marine Vessel Rules) and SOLAS.

When fuel cell power systems are installed in other marine and offshore applications, similar requirements will apply.

Scope

This document is intended for the design, installation, and survey of fuel cells power systems including fuel cells, fuel reformers, fuel stacks, modules, fuel systems, storage systems, preparation rooms, safety systems, monitoring control, testing, and certification.

In addition to the requirements listed in this document, designs of liquid fuel systems with flashpoints above 60°C are to adhere to Part 4, Chapter 6 of the Marine Vessel Rules.

Liquid fuel systems with a low flashpoint equal to or below 60°C and gaseous fuels are to be designed in accordance with the appropriate requirements found in Part 5C, Chapter 13 of the Marine Vessel Rules and other ABS publications specific to the fuel such as hydrogen and Ammonia.

For emerging fuel cell technologies currently under development or types not listed, they are subject to technical assessment and approval by ABS.

Fuel Cell

A fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through an electrochemical reaction of the fuel with an oxidizing agent.

Fuel cells differ from batteries by requiring a continuous source of fuel and oxygen (usually from air) to sustain the chemical reaction, whereas a battery’s available chemical energy is fixed by the amount of chemicals in the battery.

Fuel cells can produce electricity continuously as long as fuel and oxidizer are supplied, and there are many types of fuel cell designs.

Most consist of an anode, cathode and an electrolyte that allows positively charged hydrogen ions to move from the anode to the cathode side of the fuel cell.

The main benefits are increased energy efficiency, low to zero emissions and reduced noise levels.

There are many types of fuel cells; their main distinction is the electrolyte used, and thus they are classified by such.

Fuel cells have a variety of applications such as providing electrical power in remote areas, and can be used to power underwater vehicles, vessels and offshore units.

If you need more information, please visit the ABS Rules and Guides page, where the document is available FOR FREE.