On September 19, 2024, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that it had received an Approval in Principle (AiP) from the Norwegian classification society DNV for the design of an 80,000m³ liquefied hydrogen carrier. The company plans to proceed with development alongside its partners, with the goal of starting construction and operation by 2030.
The awarding ceremony for this AiP took place on September 18, 2024, at the international exhibition “Gastech 2024,” held in Houston, USA.
(Text by Hiro Yamamoto)
Photo courtesy=MOL
Currently, MOL is collaborating with Australia’s Woodside Energy, South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), and South Korean logistics company Hyundai Glovis to develop a liquefied hydrogen carrier.
As part of this project, the potential risks related to the design, operation, and environmental impact of liquefied hydrogen carriers were evaluated, and essential discussions among experts were conducted to mitigate these risks.
MOL and its partner companies are focusing on hydrogen as a clean energy source, vital for achieving a decarbonized society. The transportation of liquefied hydrogen is expected to see increased demand in the future. The project, which MOL is participating in, is aimed at developing a supply chain for liquefied hydrogen in Asia and other regions. The project is centered around a vessel with a tank capacity of 80,000m³, and its feasibility is being studied in terms of technology, safety, construction, operation, and cost-effectiveness.
The goal is to begin construction and operation of this 80,000m³ liquefied hydrogen carrier by 2030. Additionally, the vessel is expected to use hydrogen as its primary propulsion fuel, significantly reducing CO2 emissions during operation.
The Method of Liquefied Hydrogen Transport
The volume of liquefied hydrogen can be reduced to about 1/800th of its original gaseous state through cooling, allowing for safe and efficient transport, as it is non-toxic. However, it must be cooled to minus 253°C, requiring advanced technology for transport. MOL’s expertise gained from years of LNG transport, along with its various initiatives in tackling decarbonization, was recognized by the three collaborating companies, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation.
Woodside will be responsible for hydrogen production and storage at the loading site, HD KSOE for ship design and construction, and Hyundai Glovis and MOL for vessel operation and cargo handling.
〆商船三井はDNVから８万立方㍍型の液化水素船のＡｉＰを取得した。
商船三井は２０２４年９月19日、ノルウェー船級協会ＤＮＶから８万立方㍍型液化水素運搬船の設計基本承認（ＡｉＰ）を取得したと発表した。２０３０年までの建造・運航開始に向けて、パートナーとともに開発を進める。
今回の取得について、ＡｉＰの授与式が２０２４年９月18日に米ヒューストンで開催中の国際展示会「ガステック２０２４」で行われた。
(Text by Hiro Yamamoto)
Photo courtesy=MOL
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