Green energy
DNV has introduced a new recommended practice (RP) focused on competence requirements for the safe use of hydrogen as ship fuel. The new guidance, titled DNV-RP-0703: Competence Related to Use of Hydrogen as Fuel, outlines the training and knowledge standards needed for seafarers, inspectors, technical personnel, and shore-based staff working with hydrogen-powered vessels.
Hydrogen is increasingly being explored as a low-emission marine fuel as the shipping industry seeks pathways to decarbonisation. There are currently seven hydrogen-fuelled vessels in operation worldwide, with around 30 additional ships on order. Despite growing interest, the adoption of hydrogen in shipping continues to face safety and operational challenges linked to hydrogen leakage, low ignition energy, high-pressure systems, and cryogenic fuel storage.
DNV’s new recommended practice aims to support the maritime industry in addressing these risks through structured competence management, safety procedures, and operational preparedness. The RP also provides guidance for emergency response planning and onboard operational procedures related to hydrogen fuel systems.
The new framework builds on DNV’s broader alternative fuel competence standards, which already include guidance for LNG, ammonia, and methanol-fuelled vessels. By expanding its low-carbon fuel competence framework to hydrogen, DNV is supporting the safe transition towards zero-emission shipping technologies.
Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, CEO Maritime at DNV, said the development of clear safety regulations and competence standards is essential for hydrogen to move from pilot projects to wider commercial deployment in the maritime sector. She noted that the parallel development of technical solutions and crew competence will help seafarers operate hydrogen-powered vessels with greater confidence and safety.
DNV stated that the RP is designed to complement existing international maritime regulations, including the STCW Convention and the ISM Code, by introducing hydrogen-specific competence guidance for shipowners, operators, maritime academies, and training institutions.
The recommended practice is also intended to support certification bodies and third-party organisations involved in assessing maritime training programmes and competence verification for hydrogen-fuelled shipping operations.
According to Kirsten Birgitte Strømsnes, Business Development Leader at DNV, the use of hydrogen as marine fuel requires specialised training for both onboard crews and shore-based personnel due to the fuel’s unique hazards and operational requirements. She added that organisations must incorporate hydrogen-related risks into their management systems, competence frameworks, and ship design strategies to improve safety across the sector.
Strømsnes also said the recommended practice was developed using DNV’s established methodology for competence standards and includes contributions from industry partners alongside references to international regulatory frameworks. She noted that the RP is expected to evolve further as operational experience with hydrogen-powered vessels increases and industry best practices continue to develop.
DNV collaborated with several maritime and energy industry stakeholders during the development of the recommended practice, including Samskip, eCap Marine, Naval Dynamics, Chart Industries, LH2 Shipping, Torghatten, Shell, Everllence, and GreenH.
The launch of DNV-RP-0703 reflects growing momentum behind hydrogen as a future marine fuel and highlights the importance of maritime safety, crew training, and operational competence in supporting the transition to cleaner shipping.
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