Since the start of the 'Euro-Quebec Hydro-Hydrogen Pilot Project' (EQHHPP) with the Dechema study in 1987 a number of studies on system safety have been conducted as part of EQHHPP and national research programmes. These studies covered various parts of the hydrogen transportation and distribution chain and included: Storage and distribution facilities for 1000 t of liquid hydrogen, 10 MW fuel cell installation in an urban area, Bus depot with fuelling facilities for 150 urban transport buses, Fuel system for a 40 MW hydrogen driven power plant of a 115000 m(3) Liquid hydrogen tanker. The aim of the safety studies was to examine at an early stage the technical feasibility of the concepts and to develop design requirements derived from safety considerations. This paper provides an overview of the studies carried out. Method, procedure and advantages of carrying out safety studies at an early design stage are highlighted using the example of the propulsion system for the 115000 m(3) liquid hydrogen tanker.