Japanese shipbuilding and engineering firm Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) is a step closer to a targeted launch of a 160,000m³ liquefied hydrogen carrier in the mid-2020s by completing development of a liquefied hydrogen containment system for the planned vessel.
KHI has obtained approval in principle from Japanese classification society ClassNK for a 40,000m³ cargo containment system for a liquefied hydrogen carrier. The 43m diameter tank system is to be installed free from the ship's structure that ensures flexibility against extremely low temperatures. The tank holds hydrogen liquefied at -253°C and compressed to an 800th of its original gas state volume.
The hydrogen containment system is also equipped with a new heat insulation structure that aims to minimise boil-off gas generation. The heat insulation system has been developed using the firm's expertise in construction and safety technology used for the 1,250m³ liquefied hydrogen carrier Suiso Frontier.
KHI has been working to develop a 160,000m³ liquefied hydrogen carrier, comprising four 40,000m³ hydrogen containment systems. The company is targeting commercial deployment of the liquefied hydrogen vessels after 2030.
Japan is accelerating the building of hydrogen import and supply infrastructure as the country's demand for the carbon-neutral fuel is expected to increase sharply to 20mn t/yr by 2050 from 3mn t/yr in 2030. It will get a further boost from Japan has revised up its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target in the run-up to achieve a 2050 decarbonisation goal.
KHI is focusing on hydrogen-related businesses. It is participating in a project to launch pilot operations of a hydrogen-powered ferry in 2024 at Yokohama port. The company also has teamed up with Japanese marine engine manufacturers to develop hydrogen engines for large commercial vessels by around 2025.

