Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) is participating in NavHyS, a new European research project aimed at advancing the use of liquid hydrogen (LH₂) in maritime applications.
Funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, the project brings together 14 partners from across Europe with the goal of decarbonizing the shipping industry. BV is collaborating closely with ArianeGroup and has played a key role in developing the project proposal and consortium structure. It will contribute expertise in safety, rule development, and classification, particularly in supporting innovation for hydrogen-fueled vessels.
NavHyS focuses on the technical challenge of using below-deck Type C LH₂ tanks as fuel for service operation vessels (SOVs). BV’s role includes delivering three Approvals in Principle (AiPs) for the liquid hydrogen storage system, fuel system, and their integration into SOVs.
Our involvement in this innovative consortium reflects our commitment to supporting advanced technologies that accelerate maritime decarbonization, helping to shape a safe, scalable future for hydrogen-powered vessels.
… said Matthieu de Tugny, President, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore.
Additionally, BV will lead research on safety and rule development for liquid hydrogen in maritime settings and explore shore-based hydrogen supply solutions and the lifecycle of hydrogen-fueled vessels.
Launched in January 2025, NavHyS will run for 36 months with a €5 million contribution from the EU. The project is expected to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8-9 by 2030, enabling scalable deployment by 2035-2040.
The project will combine maritime design with space sector expertise in cryogenic storage, aiming to develop a breakthrough concept for SOVs supporting offshore wind farms.
The envisioned design will feature storage tanks capable of carrying 12-18 tonnes of liquid hydrogen and providing up to 10 days of autonomous operation.
The design of the liquid hydrogen fuel system, relying on our heritage of space system architectures and technologies, and its below-deck integration in the ship, represent a disruptive innovation in comparison with previous maritime projects and design guidelines
… commented Nicolas Hardouin, Program Manager at ArianeGroup.
