ABS Joins LH2CRAFT Project for Liquid Hydrogen Storage on Vessels
Key Ideas
- ABS collaborates with LH2CRAFT project for LH2 storage on vessels, focusing on containment systems review and approval in principle.
- The research consortium aims to develop a membrane-type LH2 containment system for long-term storage and transportation on ships.
- Project includes designing a 10-tonne prototype to validate new technology and address technical challenges for LH2 as cargo.
- ABS Vice President emphasizes the balance between obstacles and opportunities in adopting hydrogen for maritime applications.
ABS has joined the LH2CRAFT project, a European Union-funded initiative focused on researching liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage on commercial vessels. Administered by Greek Hydrus Engineering and German Technische Universitat Dresden, the consortium comprises 14 members from nine countries. ABS will specifically assess LH2 containment, handling, and distribution systems as part of the approval process towards implementing innovative technology. The project aims to develop a membrane-type LH2 containment system capable of storing LH2 at extreme temperatures at a large scale, with plans to create a 10-tonne prototype for testing. The ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable and safe technology for long-term LH2 storage and transport on maritime vessels. ABS's Vice President of Global Sustainability, Panos Koutsourakis, highlights the technical challenges and opportunities associated with utilizing hydrogen as cargo in the maritime industry. Despite obstacles such as infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, safety protocols, and economic viability, the project seeks to leverage the benefits of hydrogen technology in the maritime sector.