Hydrogen offers a credible pathway for decarbonising the maritime sector, with increasing interest in its use in fuel cells and internal combustion engines due to high efficiency, low operational emissions, and the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. When produced from renewable resources, hydrogen can be generated locally, strengthening fuel security and supporting regional energy systems in Australia. Despite this promise, the adoption of hydrogen in maritime applications remains limited, primarily due to safety and reliability concerns. Hydrogen has physical and chemical properties that differ fundamentally from conventional marine fuels. Its very low density, low ignition energy, wide flammability range, and high heat of combustion introduce new hazards, particularly in confined and semi-confined shipboard environments.

These characteristics create challenges for onboard storage, fuel handling, system integration, and emergency response. As a result, hydrogen-powered vessels require carefully designed safety systems and operational strategies to ensure the protection of crew, cargo, and assets. This project aims to enhance the safety and reliability of hydrogen-powered maritime vessels by developing a dynamic, quantitative, risk-based model to assess hydrogen-related hazards and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.

The research will focus on understanding the behaviour and interaction of key subsystems as well as their operational, failure, and maintenance characteristics. Model outcomes will be validated against experimental data to ensure practical relevance and robustness. The project will also evaluate mitigation measures for hydrogen-related incidents, including hydrogen fires. The results will be translated into evidence-based system design criteria, operational thresholds, and maintenance requirements.

These outputs will directly support ship designers, vessel operators, and classification societies in the selection, design, and certification of appropriate safety and mitigation systems. In addition, the research will identify gaps and challenges in existing maritime regulations related to hydrogen-powered vessels. The findings will provide guidance for regulators and government agencies in developing performance-based safety standards, approval pathways, and emergency response frameworks. By addressing critical safety and regulatory barriers, the project will support safer deployment of hydrogen technologies in the maritime industry and contribute to national and international decarbonisation objectives.