Lloyd’s Register approves Ricardo’s hydrogen solution for maritime

Consulting company Ricardo has received approval in principle (AiP) from the classification society Lloyd’s Register for the design of its multi-megawatt containerized fuel cell power plant solution.

According to Ricardo, the granting of the AiP signals confidence that the technology has the potential to satisfy regulatory requirements and can be used more widely as a solution to support future decarbonization across the maritime industry.

This solution has been designed and developed by Ricardo as part of the Sustainable Hydrogen Powered Shipping (sHYpS) project, which includes the specification, design, build and test of a ~500 kW net, 375 kW gross power fuel cell module (RFC500) and the design of a 40-foot containerized multi-megawatt power plant that combines the outputs of several fuel cell modules.

Ricardo revealed that the company is about to start testing the RFC500 module and is now assembling its marine containerization system in its new, purpose-built fuel cell facilities at its Shoreham Technical Centre in the UK.

Jason Oms O’Donnell, Managing Director of Automotive and Industrial at Ricardo, said: “This represents a significant achievement in our progress to support our customers in the maritime industry with the technology to enable them to deliver on their decarbonisation strategies. AiP offers us an opportunity to progress with a roadmap for full regulatory compliance of our containerised solution. It gives confidence for investment and signals that there are no major obstacles to future certification or classification.”

“We are investing in our hydrogen capabilities, and in particular, we are seeing a lot of interest from customers in the maritime, aerospace, and off-highway sectors for the services that we provide. It’s an exciting time to be involved in supporting sustainable mobility, due to the significant changes that are taking place, based on regulatory and legislative requirements. We are very well placed to support our customers with their future decarbonisation journey.”

To note, the approval follows Ricardo’s announcement regarding the expansion of its hydrogen testing capabilities for global clients through investment in facilities at its Shoreham Technical Centre in the UK to develop testing of large-scale marine engines.

Ricardo claimed the clients within the maritime sector will benefit from the new facility, as well as Ricardo’s experience and capabilities in hydrogen testing, adding that the conversion will deliver facilities to support the company’s development of hydrogen and fuel cell services and solutions.