LR awards AiP for world’s first vacuum-insulated large-scale liquid hydrogen tank system

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has recently awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (HD KSOE) for their groundbreaking vacuum-insulated large-scale liquid hydrogen (LH₂) tank system. This significant achievement marks a pivotal moment in the maritime industry, as it addresses critical challenges related to the storage and transportation of liquefied hydrogen. The successful testing of a large-scale vacuum chamber not only validated the tank’s insulation design but also set a new standard for future developments in hydrogen technology.

Addressing Maritime Hydrogen Challenges

The maritime industry faces pressing challenges when it comes to utilizing hydrogen as a fuel source. One of the primary concerns is the scalability of liquefied hydrogen storage and transportation. Liquid hydrogen must be stored at an extremely low temperature of -253°C to maintain its liquid state. To achieve this, vacuum-insulated tanks are essential, similar to thermos flasks. However, creating these tanks on a large scale for ships has proven to be technically untested. For instance, NASA’s largest existing LH₂ tank has a capacity of 5,000 m³, while ship-based applications may require tanks that are over four times larger.

HD KSOE’s innovative vacuum system offers a solution that significantly reduces the time needed to achieve a vacuum in large tanks. This advancement is crucial for the efficient storage and transportation of liquid hydrogen. The design and development of this system involved collaboration with key players in the global hydrogen industry, including Woodside Energy, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), and Hyundai Glovis. These companies contributed to the validation process, confirming a notable reduction in vacuum time in shipyards. The rigorous assessments and performance verifications conducted by LR ensured that the soft vacuum insulation system met international standards for gas ships, paving the way for safer and more efficient hydrogen transport.

Industry Leaders Praise the Breakthrough

The approval of HD KSOE’s vacuum-insulated tank system has garnered praise from industry leaders. Sung-Gu Park, President of LR North East Asia, expressed pride in collaborating with HD KSOE on this transformative development. He emphasized that this AiP not only reinforces LR’s commitment to sustainable solutions for decarbonization but also sets a new benchmark for the maritime industry. Dr. Byeongyong Yoo, Vice President at HD KSOE, highlighted the company’s dedication to providing technological solutions for large-scale energy shipping, including LNG, LPG, ammonia, CO2, and now hydrogen. He reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with global companies to drive the energy transition and achieve net-zero goals.

Jason Crusan, VP of Energy Solutions at Woodside Energy, noted that this achievement builds confidence in the efficient design and construction of liquid hydrogen ships within shipyard environments. Similarly, Jotaro Tamura, Senior Management Executive Officer at MOL, regarded the verification test as a major milestone in the study of transporting liquefied hydrogen. He emphasized the importance of increasing tank size for commercialization. Mr. Chi-O Kwon, Vice President at Hyundai Glovis, expressed honor in achieving this milestone, stating that it demonstrates the dedication and innovation of the research team. He hopes this breakthrough will serve as a foundation for future advancements in the field.

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