Written by Scott Mercurio
As the industry continues to move forward, pressing the limits of new technology, so does the Coast Guard. Of recent, the Red and White Fleet in San Francisco area, is currently considering the option of a high-speed hydrogen fuel cell propelled passenger ferry. The Maritime Administration (MARAD), the American Bureau of Shipping and Elliott Bay Design Group are conducting feasibility study. They are examining the technical, regulatory and economic aspects of building and operating both a high-speed hydrogen fuel cell ferry and a hydrogen refueling station.
The Coast Guard Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise (LGC NCOE) seeks to keep up with the application and implementation of these new gas technologies. Earlier this month, members of the team visited Cryogenics Dock at the NASA Stennis Space Center to better understand how NASA stores, transfers and uses liquid hydrogen. They met with Dave Coote, Senior Technical Advisor, and Billy Davis, Assistant Manager of Cryogenic Storage.
The team is responsible for the safe management and transportation of liquid hydrogen which is used for fuel in support of the testing of rocket engine technology. Transportation of the liquid hydrogen is done via three barges that were manufactured in the mid-1960s. The scope of knowledge and experience identified NASA as an invaluable resource as we seek to develop reasonable safe handling and management practices of liquid hydrogen for the maritime industry.
In the mean time, we at the LGC NCOE urge industry to, “Come early, and come often”. We will assist you with getting your program on the right track by providing available regulatory guidance and a roadmap by explaining the path ahead in the Coast Guard for your particular project.
The Coast Guard’s prevention mission is to achieve marine safety, security and environmental stewardship by honoring the mariner, valuing the community, collaborating with partners and stakeholders and being innovative to achieve greater impact and efficiency. It is certain that within in this project alone, we are more than achieving every aspect of our mission and vision statement.
Come Early. Come Often.
For more information, please view the LGC NCOE website.
This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official source documents, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These documents remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.
