The kick-off meeting of the LH2CRAFT project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing the safe and efficient marine transportation of Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) took place on the 27th and 28th of June 2023 in Athens, Greece. The main purpose of the meeting was to officially start up the LH2CRAFT project and introduce the team with a formal get-together. The EU Project Officer and the Financial Officer from cleanhydrogen JU introduced the organizations’ role for the project and provided vital know-how on the delivery of future tasks. The consortium members were informed in detail about the overall management of the project, while the grounds for a common understanding of goals and steps forward was set. Work Package and task leaders informed partners about the aims and objectives of each work package, while discussions were held on inputs, task distribution, risks and countermeasures in order to successfully meet the needs for the swift cooperation , progress and management of the LH2CRAFT project.
The project sets out to redefine the possibilities of sustainable long-term storage and long-distance conveyance of LH2, particularly for commercial vessels and potential fuel applications. The inaugural meeting marked the commencement of a collaborative journey towards achieving next-generation technology in this dynamic field.
At the heart of LH2CRAFT’s mission lies the development of an innovative membrane-type containment system capable of storing high-capacity LH2 at an astonishingly cold temperature of -253 degrees Celsius. The project’s ultimate goal is to validate this technology by constructing and testing a 10-ton prototype, demonstrating its viability for large-scale application. The project’s holistic approach encompasses safety and risk assessment, conceptual design exploration, and the creation of an integrated ship design. This multidimensional effort is set to position LH2CRAFT as a trailblazer in the industry, fostering both sustainability and commercial appeal.
Led by a consortium of visionary experts and backed by the endorsement of a major classification society, LH2CRAFT’s journey will undoubtedly contribute to the flourishing of Europe’s maritime prowess. By pioneering cutting-edge solutions, the project aligns with the European Union’s commitment to innovation-driven industries, the creation of high-quality jobs, and the establishment of international regulatory standards. Through the integration of technological excellence and environmental consciousness, LH2CRAFT sets sail on a voyage that transcends industry boundaries, elevating marine transportation into a new era of efficiency and sustainability.
As we embark on this remarkable expedition, stay tuned for updates and insights that will illuminate LH2CRAFT’s progress and its transformative impact on the marine transportation landscape. Together, we are forging a path toward a greener, more connected, and pioneering future. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101111972. UK participation in LH2CRAFT Project is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe guarantee [grant-numbers 10082044 and 10070575].