Innovative LH2 Containment System Approved for Long-Distance Shipping

DNV has granted approval in principle for a new liquid hydrogen containment system designed for long-distance transport. Liquid hydrogen is challenging to handle due to its need for extreme refrigeration, its ability to penetrate materials, and its potential to make steel brittle. The innovative CryoVac panel system is a departure from traditional spherical tanks, offering a solution for constructing prismatic tanks that better conform to the shape of a ship’s hull. This system involves prefabricated hexagonal steel panels that create a double layer of insulation, ensuring efficient containment without compromising the integrity of the steel.

The CryoVac tank structure, situated within a nitrogen-filled void in the ship’s hold, utilizes a unique panel system for insulation. These panels are welded both inside the tank and within the hold, providing additional layers of containment for the liquid hydrogen cargo. CryoVac’s next goal is to develop a complete design for a 45,000 cubic meter LH2 carrier with three cargo holds, each containing a 15,000 cubic meter tank. CEO Aage Bjørn Andersen emphasizes the global interest in safe and cost-effective liquid hydrogen shipping solutions, positioning CryoVac to engage with shipowners and hydrogen producers to meet this demand.

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