The project sponsored by Innovation Norway, was launched to clarify challenges and find solutions for storage and handling of this demanding cargo and fuel on a vessel.
Future large-scale use of hydrogen in maritime and land-based industries will require vessels tailed for transportation and bunkering of liquified hydrogen.
“Moss Maritime has utilised its long-standing experience from design of Moss LNG carriers in the development of the LH2 bunker vessel, where liquified hydrogen at a temperature of -253°c will offer advantages over pressurised hydrogen gas in relation to transportation costs,” said Tor Skogan, Vice-President, LNG of Moss Maritime.
“We are ready to support the ship industry in implementing solutions for liquified hydrogen for future project,” Skogan continued.
The LH2 bunker has a cargo capacity of 9000m3 with a cargo containment system designed to maximise insulation performance and meet safety requirements. The vessel has been developed to provide liquified hydrogen bunkering services to merchant ships, in addition to open sea transport.
“Equinor believes hydrogen may represent an attractive energy solution for sectors that are hard to decarbonise and currently outside the scope of renewable solutions like batteries. Long haul maritime shipping is one of these and an important milestone has been passed by introducing a logistical solution for transport of liquified hydrogen by the sea” said Steinar Eikaas, VP for Low Carbon Solutions in Eqinor.
“We see hydrogen as a possible fuel for the future. The commercial feasibility of such a vessel is depending on the overall hydrogen market development,” said Håkon Lenz, Vice-President of Europe and Americas of Wilhelmsen Ship Management.
“Once market signals show that there is a need for big scale liquified hydrogen, we and our partners are ready to take this design to the next level. By initiating and participating in this project we prepare ourselves for meeting the demand of our customers in the years to come, and Wilhelmsen will always seek opportunities in new technology to enable sustainable global trade,” Lenz concluded.