In our first workshop under Task 2.2, experts in design, manufacturing, testing, and risk assessment collaborated to shape the high-level specifications for the LH2 cargo containment system (CCS) and the corresponding LH2 Carrier. This focused session aimed to understand the impact of market analysis on the cargo containment solution, identify solution boundaries, and establish specifications for proposed LH2 CCS solutions. Key aspects—economic, regulatory, market-driven, and technical—were explored, uncovering critical findings:
1.Feasibility Focus: It is crucial to define a case vessel and project business areas for the feasibility study, with a targeted emphasis on specific routes.
2.Endurance Targets: Long-endurance routes exceeding 10,000 km, including Middle East to Europe, Middle East to Far East, and Australia to Far East, are a primary focus.
3.Optimal Carrier Capacity: Carriers with a capacity of around 160,000 m3 of LH2 are deemed more economically viable, aligning with insights from the existing LNG market.
4.High-Speed Approach: Targeting speeds of 15-20 knots to minimize days at sea, enhancing operational efficiency.
5.Avoiding Onboard Reliquification: Onboard reliquification, with its high costs, is deemed non-commercially attractive and will be avoided.
6.Early Safety Considerations: Safety issues related to the ship design, including fire around the cargo containment system and ventilation, must be addressed early and verified through comprehensive risk analysis.
7.Critical Stability Focus: Given the lightweight nature of the cargo and potential reduced draft, intact stability assessments are critical. Identified requirements for conducting stability studies.
8.Tank Type Consideration: Membrane-type storage tanks, offering approximately 40% more space efficiency than spherical tanks, will be considered. However, membrane tanks necessitate the use of boil-off gas as fuel due to the inability to hold pressurized gas, distinguishing them from C type tanks.
9.Boil Off Gas (BOG) Handling: A low BOG rate (0.5%) handling approach will be targeted to minimize cargo losses and operational expenditures.
