Image: MAN Energy Solutions

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MAN Cryo, the wholly owned subsidiary of MAN Energy Solutions, has announced that it has developed - in collaboration with Fjord1 and Multi Maritime - a liquid hydrogen marine fuel gas system that has been fully integrated into a vessel design which has been granted approval in principle (AIP) by classification society DNV GL.

Sweden-based MAN Cryo describes the AIP awarded to Multi Maritime's hydrogen vessel design for Fjord1 - which incorporates the hydrogen fuel gas system - as "significant" as it is the first marine system design of this kind to secure such an approval.

Dr Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions, remarked: "As a solution for vessels employed on relatively short maritime routes, such as ferries, this technology is a world first and showcases our company's ability to deliver genuinely innovative solutions.

"Furthermore, hydrogen is a clean fuel whose profile fits perfectly with the general desire within the industry to move towards cleaner technology. The possibilities for this technology are varied and exciting."

Louise Andersson, Head of MAN Cryo, said: "To secure this approval in principle shows the determination that MAN Energy Solutions has to advance cleaner shipping solutions."

System development

MAN Cryo developed the liquid hydrogen marine fuel gas system design in-house at its headquarters in Gothenburg in cooperation with Norwegian shipowner Fjord1 and vessel designer Multi Maritime.

The system has a scalable design with easy adaptation in mind for different shipping types, sizes and conditions.

The design is said to be suitable for both above- and below-deck applications, offering ship designers the flexibility to optimise their designs in relation to efficiency, and to cargo or passenger space.

Liquefied hydrogen: challenges and benefits

Liquefied hydrogen has a temperature of -253 degrees Celsius and is one of the planet's coldest cryogenic gases, which places system components and materials under extreme stress.

Another design challenge during development was hydrogen's explosive nature, with MAN Cryo's engineering team therefore putting safety as a top priority.

Once liquefied, hydrogen is reduced to 1/800th of its volume and facilitates a more efficient distribution compared to during the gas phase.

As a fuel, MAN Cryo notes that hydrogen does not release any carbon dioxide and therefore suggests the gas can play an important role in the transition to a clean, low-carbon, energy system, with liquefied hydrogen being used to charge batteries for electrical propulsion via fuel cell technology.

MAN Cryo says it sees a bright future for hydrogen applications as part of the objective to achieve zero fossil emissions within the marine sector by 2050.

The MAN Energy Solutions subsidiary has extensive experience in working with cryogenic gases and solutions for storage and distribution. The company has also developed numerous hydrogen installations over the years on land which - in combination with its experience in marine fuel gas systems for LNG - it says has been invaluable when designing the new Fjord1 system.