As a carbon-free energy source, liquefied hydrogen can be in demand at different scales. In the case of LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers, capacities have increased from 138,000 cbm to 260,000 cbm with advances in cargo tank-related engineering and fabrication technology. While about 174,000 cbm size of LNG carriers has been standardized in recent years, LNG carriers of 216,000 cbm (which is called Q-flex) or 260,000 cbm (which is called Q-max) have also been built, depending on the facilities at the export and import terminals. In the early stages of the liquefied hydrogen market, carriers for maritime transportation will be built to verify marketability through small-scale transportation, and the size required for liquefied hydrogen carriers will change as technology develops and demand increases.
As we embark on the Concept Development for the Tank Storage System within the LH2CRAFT project, it is imperative to consider all these aspects—market evolution, technological advances, and the need for modular insulation systems. With HDKSOE leading this task, we are committed to designing solutions that are adaptable, efficient, and in alignment with the evolving landscape of liquefied hydrogen transportation.
