Section 2 Risk based studies

2.1.1 A risk assessment specific to fuel cell power installations is to be carried out for each installation on board. The risk assessment is to evaluate risks related to the safe operation of the ship and as such is to address the safety of the fuel cell power installation itself and, where the fuel cell installation provides power for propulsion of the ship or other essential services, the dependability of the fuel cell power installation.

2.1.2 The risk assessment may be additional to or included in the risk assessment required elsewhere by the Rules, including as required by Pt A, 4.2 Risk assessment of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels, July 2022 and Ch 16, 16.9 Alternative fuels and technologies LR 16.9-02 of the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk, July 2022

2.1.3 For any new or altered concept or configuration of a fuel cell power installation a risk analysis shall be conducted in order to ensure that any risks arising from the use of fuel cells affecting the safety, reliability and dependability of the ship are addressed. Consideration shall be given to the hazards associated with installation, operation, and maintenance, following any reasonably foreseeable failure.

2.1.4 The risks shall be analysed using acceptable and recognised risk assessment techniques, and mechanical damage to components, operational and weather-related influences, electrical faults, unwanted chemical reactions, toxicity, auto-ignition of fuels, fire, explosion, and short-term power failure (blackout) shall as a minimum be considered. The assessment shall ensure that risks are eliminated wherever possible. Risks which cannot be eliminated shall be mitigated as necessary.

2.1.5 System safe states are to be considered with regard to the behaviour and characteristics of the fuel and fuel cell power installation.

2.1.6 Where fuel cell modules are intended to be supplied with oxidant in the form of oxygen gas or oxygen enriched compounds, this is to be specifically addressed in the engineering and safety justification. Such proposals are subject to special consideration.

2.1.7 Where any part of the fuel cell power installation is intended to operate with a continuous leakage of flammable gas, this is to be specifically addressed in the engineering and safety justification. Such proposals are subject to special consideration. The leakage rate is to be calculated in accordance with a recognised International or National Standard such as IEC 62282-3-100 – Fuel Cell Technologies Part 3-100: Stationary fuel cell systems – Safety.

2.1.8 Where fuel cell modules incorporate catalytic oxidation or controlled combustion units in order to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases or vapours, this is to be specifically addressed in the engineering and safety justification. Such proposals are subject to special consideration.

2.2.1 These Rules contain functional requirements for all appliances and arrangements related to the usage of fuel cell technology.

2.2.2 Appliances and arrangements of fuel cell power systems may deviate from those set out in these Rules, provided that such appliances and arrangements meet the intent of the goal and functional requirements concerned and provide an equivalent level of safety of the relevant sections.

2.2.3 The equivalence of the alternative design shall be demonstrated as specified in SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulation 55 and approved by the Administration. However, the Administration should not allow operational methods or procedures to be applied as an alternative to a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus or item of equipment or type thereof which is prescribed by these Rules.

2.3.1 Where fuel cell power installations are used to supply power for propulsion of the ship or other essential services then a system dependability assessment is to be undertaken. The assessment is to demonstrate that the dependability of power from the fuel cell power installation is commensurate with that provided by conventional oil-fuelled reciprocating or rotating machinery. The assessment is to include consideration of reliability, availability and maintainability of the fuel cell power installation, taking account of any potential single-point failures and common mode failures and of the need for redundancy of components and equipment.

2.3.2 The system dependability assessment is to be undertaken to a recognised International or National Standard such as IEC 60300-3-1 Dependability management Part 3-1: Application guide – Analysis techniques for dependability – Guide on methodology.