Tue 29 Jan 2019, 09:57 GMT

New LH2 bunker vessel design unveiled


Design for liquefied hydrogen bunker vessel developed by Moss Maritime in cooperation with Equinor, Wilhelmsen and DNV GL.


The delivery vessel has a cargo capacity of 9,000 cubic metres, where liquefied hydrogen would be stored at -253 °C.
Image credit: Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA
Moss Maritime, in cooperation with Equinor, Wilhelmsen and DNV GL, has developed a design for a liquefied hydrogen (LH2) bunker vessel.

The project, sponsored by Innovation Norway, was launched with the objective to clarify challenges and find solutions for the storage and handling of LH2 cargo and fuel on a vessel.

"Moss Maritime has utilized its long-standing experience from design of Moss LNG carriers in the development of the LH2 bunker vessel, where liquefied hydrogen at a temperature of -253 °C will offer advantages over pressurized hydrogen gas in relation to transportation costs. We are ready to support the ship industry in implementing solutions for liquefied hydrogen for future projects," said Tor Skogan, Vice President LNG of Moss Maritime.

The LH2 bunker vessel has cargo capacity of 9,000 cubic metres, with a cargo containment system designed to maximize insulation performance and meet the most stringent safety requirements.

The vessel has been developed to provide liquefied hydrogen bunkering services to merchant ships, in addition to open sea transport.

"Equinor believes hydrogen may represent an attractive energy solution for the sectors that are hard to decarbonize and currently outside the scope of renewable solutions like batteries. Long haul maritime shipping is one of these and an important milestone has been passed by introducing a logistical solution for transport of liquefied hydrogen by the sea," commented Steinar Eikaas, VP for Low Carbon Solutions in Equinor.

Håkon Lenz, VP Europe and Americas of Wilhelmsen Ship Management, remarked: "We see hydrogen as a possible fuel for the future. The commercial feasibility of such a vessel is depending on the overall hydrogen market development. Once market signals show that there is a need for big-scale liquefied hydrogen, we and our partners are ready to take this design to the next level. By initiating and participating in this project, we prepare ourselves for meeting the demand of our customers in the years to come, and Wilhelmsen will always seek opportunities in new technology to enable sustainable global trade."


VPS logo. NE Atlantic ECA will cause significant change to the current fuel mix | Steve Bee, VPS  

The possibility of off-spec issues highlights the continuing need for proactive fuel testing to protect vessels.

Kris Vedat, SmartSea. Smart ships failing to convert data into actionable intelligence, warns SmartSea  

Maritime technology firm claims vessels collect vast amounts of data but lack integration to support decision-making.

Energy Transition Outlook 2026 Hydrogen To 2060 report cover. DNV forecasts 100-fold growth in clean hydrogen by 2060, with China leading expansion  

Classification society projects $3.2tn investment in hydrogen sector, with maritime accounting for 15% of clean hydrogen use.

World Shipping Council logo. Dual-fuel container ship and vehicle carrier fleet surpasses 1,200 vessels  

World Shipping Council reports 65% year-on-year increase in operational dual-fuel vessels to 440 ships.

Sotiris Raptis, ECSA. European Shipowners calls for ETS revenue investment and fuel supplier mandate  

ECSA urges the EU to invest €9bn in annual ETS revenues in fuel production and infrastructure.

Sheen Mao Choong, SSA. Singapore bunker industry urged to prioritise resilience and collaboration  

SSA committee vice chair highlights energy security and crisis readiness at Marine Fuels Forum 2026.

Chia How Khee, TFG Marine and David Foo, MPA. TFG Marine receives bunker safety award from Singapore maritime authority  

Marine fuel supplier recognised for safety standards and operational performance at MPA Marine Fuel Forum.

Rotterdam skyline at night. Bunker surveyor sought in Rotterdam to meet increased demand  

Dutch firm MCE Marine Surveyors is recruiting for a quantitative fuel inspection role.

Emma Roberts, BHP. GCMD highlights BHP biofuel trials to address scaling challenges in maritime decarbonisation  

Mining company discusses need for traceability and coordinated progress across supply, cost and operational readiness.

Levante LNG vessel. Peninsula implements energy efficiency measures across bunker supply fleet  

Marine fuel supplier focusing on data-driven upgrades and operational measures to cut consumption.