Pioneering Vacuum-Insulated LH₂ Tank System: Transformative Development in Maritime Industry
Key Ideas
  • LR awards Approval in Principle to HD KSOE for innovative vacuum-insulated large-scale LH₂ tank system, addressing scalability challenges in hydrogen storage and transportation in maritime industry.
  • Successful testing marks world's first validation of large-scale LH₂ tank insulation design, showcasing the potential for efficient liquid hydrogen ships' construction in shipyard environment.
  • Global industry participants like Woodside Energy, MOL, and Hyundai Glovis contribute to design development; LR confirms significant reduction in vacuum time, advancing sustainable solutions for decarbonisation.
  • Collaboration between LR and HD KSOE sets new benchmark for maritime industry, with high hopes for driving energy transition and achieving net-zero goals through innovative hydrogen vacuum system solution.
Lloyd's Register (LR) has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (HD KSOE) for their revolutionary vacuum-insulated large-scale liquid hydrogen (LH₂) tank system. This milestone signifies the successful validation of the world's first large-scale LH₂ tank insulation design, a crucial development in overcoming challenges related to hydrogen storage and transportation in the maritime sector. The vacuum insulation system, likened to thermos flasks, is pivotal in storing liquid hydrogen at -253°C while minimizing boil-off gas, a process essential for utilizing hydrogen as a fuel. HD KSOE's innovative vacuum system has shown promising results by significantly reducing the time required to establish a vacuum in large tanks, essential for ship-based applications that may necessitate tanks over four times larger than NASA's largest LH₂ tank. Global industry players such as Woodside Energy, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), and Hyundai Glovis have actively contributed to the design development and validation process. Lloyd's Register has confirmed a substantial reduction in vacuum time in shipyards, aligning with their commitment to promoting sustainable solutions for decarbonization. The collaboration between LR and HD KSOE exemplifies a groundbreaking achievement in the maritime industry, laying the foundation for future advancements in energy shipping and sustainability. The positive sentiment surrounding this transformative development is echoed by industry leaders, highlighting the potential for efficient design and construction of liquid hydrogen ships, essential for driving the energy transition and achieving net-zero goals.
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