LAUNCH2 gets underway: Alliance To Accelerate Hydrogen Innovation

The LAUNCH2 partnership officially commenced at the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Rotterdam, marking a pivotal shift in maritime decarbonization. This collaborative alliance, featuring the Port of Rotterdam Authority, TU Delft, TNO, and the Municipality of Schiedam, aims to accelerate hydrogen innovation for the global shipping industry. By integrating advanced fuel cell technology and bunkering infrastructure at the Port of Rotterdam, the project seeks to transition merchant vessels toward zero-emission operations, setting a new benchmark for sustainable maritime logistics.

This initiative aligns directly with the IMO’s 2023 Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships and the evolving requirements of MARPOL Annex VI regarding carbon intensity indicators. For compliance departments, the shift toward hydrogen necessitates strict adherence to the IGF Code (International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels), which governs the design and operation of vessels utilizing hydrogen as fuel. Ensuring these systems meet SOLAS Chapter II-1 safety standards is critical for maintaining vessel certification and avoiding port state control detentions during bunkering operations in European waters.

Chief engineers and second engineers will be most affected by these technical advancements, as they must master hydrogen fuel cell maintenance and bunkering protocols. These officers need to undergo specialized training in gas-handling systems and emergency response procedures for low-flashpoint fuels. Staying updated on the IGF Code requirements is essential for ensuring safe engine room operations and preventing potential safety breaches during the transition to hydrogen-powered propulsion systems in the modern merchant navy.