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."


Fuel for Thought: LPG report. Lloyd’s Register examines LPG as marine fuel in new research report  

Classification society evaluates LPG emissions benefits, safety considerations and technology readiness for shipping.

Steel-cutting ceremony for vessel with builder's hull no. W0284. Finnlines begins construction of first methanol-capable ro-pax vessel in EUR 500m newbuild programme  

Grimaldi Group subsidiary begins work on Hansa Superstar class ships at Chinese shipyard.

Navios Cyan vessel. Navios Partners takes delivery of LNG- and methanol-ready boxship  

The 7,900-teu Navios Cyan is the first of four newbuildings in the series.

Rendering of a hydrogen energy system. Floating hydrogen power hub validated for grid-independent ship charging at berth  

ELIRE Maritime-led consortium validates modular platform delivering 5MW of clean power without a shoreside grid connection.

Kota Ocean ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation. PIL completes first LNG bunkering at Shanghai’s Mingdong Terminal  

Kota Ocean took on 4,300-cbm of LNG during simultaneous cargo operations.

Fully electric passenger ferry render. Estonia orders first fully electric ferry from Polish shipyard CRIST  

Battery-powered vessel designed by LMG Marin will operate on the Virtsu–Kuivastu route from 2028.

Eco Levant vessel. X-Press Feeders trials ethanol-methanol blend in Rotterdam  

Container operator tests 10-90 ethanol-methanol fuel mix aboard Eco Levant vessel.

Venture Energy, CSST and CSTC MoU signing. Venture Energy signs green methanol cooperation agreement  

MoU establishes framework for long-term offtake and capacity development in maritime decarbonisation.

Iberdrola España Onshore Power Supply (OPS). Iberdrola España completes shore power installation at the Port of Pasaia  

Spanish utility installs onshore power supply system, enabling docked vessels to use renewable electricity.

Illustratic image of Itochu's newbuild ammonia bunkering vessel, scheduled for delivery in September 2027. Itochu secures approval for ammonia bunkering trials in Singapore  

Japanese trading house to conduct two-year trial following MPA authorisation.