-253°C Cryogenic Fatigue Testing System. Credit: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM)
The Reliability Research Center of the Virtual Engineering Platform Research Division at the Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM) participated as a key research partner in the publication of the report titled "Safety Review of Hydrogen-Fueled Ships," conducted in collaboration with the Korean Register. The report is a comprehensive technical document that systematically presents safety considerations, international regulations and risk mitigation measures for hydrogen-fueled ships.
A research team led by Dr. Yongjin Kim, head of the Reliability Research Center at KIMM, collaborated with Mr. Jun-Sung Park, general manager at Korean Register, in preparing the report titled "Safety Review of Hydrogen-Fueled Ships." The report includes an overview of maritime hydrogen systems, analyses of hydrogen-related accidents, identification of hydrogen hazards and risk mitigation measures, and relevant international regulations. Published in both Korean and English, the report is available for viewing and download on the Korean Register website.
Hydrogen is attracting attention as a promising alternative fuel for decarbonizing the maritime sector because it produces no carbon emissions during use and can serve as a feedstock for low-carbon fuels such as methanol. However, safe onboard use requires hydrogen to be stored either as compressed gas at high pressure or as liquid hydrogen at approximately minus 253 degrees Celsius (minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit). The report reviews recent developments in hydrogen fuel cell-powered and hydrogen internal combustion engine-powered vessels, along with hydrogen storage, supply and fuel consumption systems.
