<article><p class="lead">Japanese shipbuilding and engineering firm Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) is a step closer to a targeted launch of a <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2195626">160,000m³ liquefied hydrogen carrier</a> in the mid-2020s by completing development of a liquefied hydrogen containment system for the planned vessel.</p><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2189114">1,250m³ liquefied hydrogen carrier</a> <i>Suiso Frontier</i>.</p><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2207839">revised up its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target</a> in the run-up to achieve a 2050 decarbonisation goal.</p><p>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 <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2209358">hydrogen engines for large commercial vessels</a> by around 2025.</p><p class="bylines">By Rieko Suda</p></article>
