New hydrogen system for liquified hydrogen carriers gets stamp of approval
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), along with its subsidiaries HD Hyundai Heavy Industry and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, have received approval in principle from class society DNV for their new hydrogen system for a liquified hydrogen carrier.
This new system utilises boil-off gas from hydrogen transport for a hybrid propulsion system, integrating hydrogen dual-fuel engines and fuel cells.
The South Korean firm aims to complete the development of hydrogen carrier technology that enables large-capacity hydrogen transportation and storage by around 2030.
Sustainably produced zero and low-carbon hydrogen has been identified as a key part of the world’s energy transition. Efficient transport by ship faces several challenges, including the complexity of holding hydrogen at minus 253 degrees Celsius, some 100 degrees colder than LNG, at large scale.
According to DNV, finding solutions to these challenges is “vital as shipping has an important role in unlocking the use of hydrogen in decarbonizing heavy industries, such as steel and cement production.”
HD KSOE, with its partners such as Woodside and Linde Engineering, is exploring new hydrogen transportation and storage solutions with a commercialisation target of the new technologies by 2030.
“We are continuously developing world-class technology in liquefied hydrogen following our achievements in methanol, ammonia and CO2 carriers. With our hydrogen system, we will lead technology advances in transitioning to a carbon-neutral society,” Sungjun Kim, CTO at HD KSOE, said.
“This new system is expected to accelerate the development of the hydrogen shipping value chain. To realise hydrogen shipping, the roles of hydrogen producers, consumers, and shipyards are crucial. Through ongoing collaboration, we hope to develop solutions to accelerate the growth of hydrogen,” added Maria Gonzalez-Perez, VP of strategic planning and portfolio for New Energy at Woodside.
Several months ago, HD KSOE got another green light for a revolutionary design with Lloyd’s Register and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry awarding design approval for the development of the world’s first 22,000 cu m multi-gas carrier.
The vessel will be capable of carrying liquified carbon dioxide, liquid petroleum gas, ammonia, and vinyl chloride monomer and incorporates a new type of steel in its tanks that supports greater efficiency in the carbon capture and storage value chain.
