The July 2025 edition of the LR-GN-016 Guidance Notes on the Installation of Fuel Cells on Ships provides comprehensive technical and regulatory guidance for integrating fuel cell power systems into marine vessels.
It outlines the operational principles of various fuel cell technologies—particularly PEMFC and SOFC—and their supporting subsystems, including fuel processing, air and coolant supply, power conditioning, and safety systems.
The document details the design and installation requirements for fuel cell modules and power systems, including their spatial, thermal, and electrical integration with ship infrastructure. It also addresses the handling of exhaust gases, product water, and inert gas purging, while emphasising the importance of redundancy, risk assessment, and compliance with Lloyd’s Register and IMO standards.
The guidance introduces three safety concepts for fuel cell spaces: ESD-protected, gas-safe with ventilated enclosures, and gas-safe with inerted enclosures. Each concept is supported by schematics and detailed safety provisions, including ventilation, fire protection, explosion mitigation, and hazardous zone classification.
The document also covers lifecycle considerations such as degradation, maintenance, and end-of-life performance, and provides specific recommendations for installation locations, access, and environmental resilience. It concludes with operational guidance on maintenance, survey requirements, and integration into ship control and monitoring systems, reinforcing the need for robust safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance throughout the fuel cell system’s lifecycle.