At the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee, the draft Interim Guidelines for the safety of vessels using hydrogen as a fuel source was approved. This document is intended to minimize risks associated with the operation of ships using hydrogen fuel, reflecting the growing importance of environmentally friendly technologies in maritime transport.
The guidelines include recommendations for recombination, leak elimination, and monitoring of onboard systems that ensure the safety of the crew and the environment. Experts noted that these measures are necessary to provide technical reliability and prevent accidents in the operation of vessels using new types of fuel.
The new methodology will promote a safer implementation of alternative energy solutions in the maritime industry and will help minimize potential risks associated with the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier.
The document is expected to be officially approved in the spring of 2026 and will mark an important milestone in the development of international safety standards for vessels operating on hydrogen fuel.