The maritime industry is entering a period of rapid transformation as alternative fuels and new energy conversion technologies become increasingly central to future ship design. Among these, onboard hydrogen generation has emerged as a promising pathway to support the safe and efficient use of hydrogen as an energy carrier, particularly when direct bunkering or storage of large hydrogen quantities presents operational or regulatory challenges. Technologies such as fuel reforming and ammonia cracking offer viable options for producing hydrogen on demand, yet their application on ships introduces new considerations for system design, integration, and safety management.
These Guidance Notes have been developed to support industry stakeholders as they navigate this evolving landscape. The introductory sections define the purpose and scope of the document, outline key terminology, and provide background information on the technologies used for onboard hydrogen production. Together, these elements establish a common technical basis for designers, shipyards, equipment manufacturers, and operators working with hydrogen generator systems.
Building on this foundation, the Guidance Notes present detailed recommendations for the design, arrangement, and installation of hydrogen generators on board ships. This includes considerations for supporting equipment, fuel preparation rooms, ventilation and inerting provisions, fire and explosion protection measures, and interfaces with the ship’s systems and spaces. Documentation requirements, risk based studies, and testing expectations are also described to support a consistent and transparent approach to demonstrating compliance with LR Rules and relevant international standards.
By consolidating current best practice and emerging knowledge, these Guidance Notes aim to assist stakeholders in safely integrating hydrogen generator technologies and in preparing for future developments as regulatory frameworks and technological capabilities continue to evolve.