Lloyd’s Register grants first class approval for BeHydro 100% hydrogen marine engine
18 jun 2026
The approval marks a significant step in the certification and commercial readiness of hydrogen-fuelled propulsion technology for maritime applications. Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued the first Type Approval Certificate for a 100% hydrogen-fuelled, spark-ignited marine engine. The approval has been awarded to the hydrogen engine developed by BeHydro and confirms the design meets LR’s requirements for safety, performance and reliability in marine applications.
The BeHydro engine has been developed and tested at ABC Engines’ facility in Ghent (Belgium) and is designed to operate entirely on hydrogen, without the need for pilot fuels. This simplifies system design and removes onboard carbon emissions at source, positioning the technology as a practical option for operators exploring zero-carbon propulsion.
Claudene Sharp-Patel, Global Technical Director, Lloyd’s Register said: “The issue of this Type Approval Certificate demonstrates that hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine technology is continuing to mature as a viable option for maritime applications. For shipowners and operators, independent certification is essential in building confidence that emerging fuel technologies can meet the industry’s expectations for safety, reliability and operational performance.”
Tim Berckmoes, CEO at ABC Engines, said: “This LRS type approval of our BeHydro 100% hydrogen engines with zero emissions is a confirmation of the future proof technology that BeHydro can offer to innovative shipowners worldwide. The 100% hydrogen engine range is available from 900 kW till 2,670 kW for different marine applications.”
LR previously awarded Type Approval to BeHydro for its hydrogen-powered dual-fuel engine in 2023, which was the first Type Approval for a dual-fuel hydrogen engine.
BeHydro
The hydrogen future is now
The attached image shows (L-R):
Michail Cheliotis – Marine Surveyor, Lloyd’s Register; Peter Van de Graaf – Strategic Key Account Business Partner, Lloyd’s Register; Tim Berckmoes - CEO, Anglo Belgian Corporation; Louis Vercauter - Project Coordinator, CMB.TECH; Edward Belderbos - Project Engineer, Anglo Belgian Corporation; Arthur Ghekiere - Project Engineer, Anglo Belgian Corporation.
About Lloyd’s Register
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.
Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.
We also provide advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation. Through OneOcean, LR delivers integrated digital solutions supporting voyage planning, optimisation, compliance, training and fleet performance across more than 30,000 vessels globally.
In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.
Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.
www.lr.org
About BeHydro
BeHydro is a joint venture between 2 Belgian companies combining the skills of ABC Engines, a premium engine manufacturer with the views of CMB.TECH, a leading ship owner. Many industries such as shipping, railway and power generation have a need for clean technologies in order to make the energy transition happen. BeHydro has set itself the goal of providing the best solution for these demanding industries.
www.behydro.com
