As a core technical partner in the LH2CRAFT project, RINA plays a vital role in developing the next generation of liquid hydrogen containment technologies for maritime applications. With decades of experience in classification, regulatory frameworks, and technical innovation, RINA’s work is key to enabling a safe, efficient, and certifiable hydrogen-powered shipping future.
By collaborating on LH2CRAFT, RINA is contributing to outline the technological details and economic boundaries of the cryogenic containment technologies that will set the basis for the desktop studies on the alternative storage systems and for the selection of the final concept design of the containment system to be investigated.
RINA also contributes to the definition of the final specification of the requirements for the selected cryogenic containment solution that will be advanced to the basic and detailed design, together with the definition of the evaluation criteria to obtain Approval in Principle and general approval. RINA led the preliminary risk assessment study of the liquid hydrogen containment system, considering both conceptual design and operational scenarios.
Furthermore, RINA is supporting the definition and development of testing and assessment requirements of the materials, to bridge the existing gap in the regulatory framework. The experience gained will promote the uptake of research findings, updating and supplementing existing class technical rules, and developing new guidelines and best practices.
This know-how is also progressively presented to the IMO working groups and correspondence groups drafting the Guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen as fuel and introducing the concept of membrane tanks for ships transporting liquid hydrogen as cargo, as part of the international statutory regulations.
Through cutting-edge research and technological integration, RINA is working towards the development of a whole new market and economy based upon hydrogen for energy generation, completely carbon-free and with zero harmful emissions. The safe, efficient and sustainable transport of large quantities of hydrogen at sea is a critical factor to enable global climate neutrality and the transport of zero-emission fuels.
🔹 In Their Own Words:
“RINA is going to leverage its expertise in plan approval, inspection, testing, certification, and classification of ships using cryogenic containment systems to store and transport liquid hydrogen over long distances. This commitment aligns with RINA’s strategy to strengthen its position as one of the leading classification societies in this sector, at the forefront in the process of putting plans and innovation into action for the safe transport and use of alternative zero-carbon fuels. RINA will provide high-level services to clients, helping them address the unprecedented challenges of the decarbonisation of marine transport, further expanding business strategies and turning innovative concepts into rules and practices that really work for the stakeholders in a sustainable maritime world.”
