ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) to Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) for the design of the world’s largest-capacity cargo containment system for use in a liquefied hydrogen (LH2) carrier
The tank capacity of the cargo containment system is 40,000 m3, allowing for a massive scale-up of the LH2 carrier size, making them on par with conventional LNG carriers.
By comparison, the pioneering LH2 carrier Suiso Frontier has a tank capacity of 1,250 m3. ClassNK engaged in the classification survey during the construction of the liquified hydrogen carrier, which was built by KHI according to its rules and guidelines.
In 2017, ClassNK published the Guidelines for Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers describing the safety requirements for liquified hydrogen carriers based on IMO’s Interim Recommendations for Carriage of Liquefied Hydrogen in Bulk.
Prior to issuing the AiP, ClassNK carried out the design review of the newly developed cargo containment system for a hydrogen liquified carrier based on its Part N of Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships incorporating the IGC Code, and its guidelines incorporating IMO’s interim recommendations. Additionally, a comprehensive safety assessment of the CCS was conducted based on the HAZID risk assessment results, which has led to the issuance of the AiP.
The KHI cargo containment system will allow the transport of cryogenic liquefied hydrogen on par with tanks used in LNG carriers. The system uses an independent, self-supporting design with a structure capable of responding flexibly to the thermal contraction that occurs when loading cryogenic liquefied hydrogen. A newly developed, high-performance heat insulation system is used to mitigate boil-off gas (BOG) which occurs in response to heat ingress. Additionally, BOG can be used as fuel to power the ship – as is the case with LNG carriers – contributing to reduced CO2 emissions from liquefied hydrogen transport operations.
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