From October 22nd to 24th, 2024, our LH2CRAFT consortium gathered in Seoul, Korea, for a productive and inspiring 2nd General Assembly (GA) meeting, hosted by our partners at HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (HD KSOE). Their exceptional hospitality and world-class facilities set the tone for three impactful days dedicated to advancing safe and efficient marine transport of liquid hydrogen.
During the first two days, partners reviewed recent progress, shared results from analyses, evaluations, and testing, and aligned on upcoming actions to support the project’s ambitious goals. Project management milestones were discussed, and new work packages began their activities to ensure steady advancement. The collaborative atmosphere underscored our shared commitment to developing sustainable and commercially viable LH2 storage and transport solutions.
Key Highlights:
• Project Updates: HYDRUS led discussions on project milestones, upcoming priorities, and preparations for the mid-term review.
• Technical Innovations: Partners from RINA, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), and University of Patras (UPAT) led sessions on disruptive materials, containment systems, and scalable LH2 tank designs, showcasing significant technological advancements.
• Safety & Standards: With a strong focus on risk evaluation, integration designs, and safety standards, University of Strathclyde (UoS), RINA, and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) reinforced our commitment to sustainable LH2 transport.
• Insulation & Testing: Technische Universität Dresden presented on insulation alternatives and testing protocols, with updates on testing methods and materials assessments, highlighting rigorous safety standards.
• Introductory Sessions: Actemium (ACT) and Grupo Gabadi (GBD) provided overviews on project timelines and action items to align all partners on immediate project goals.
• Dissemination & Communication: Led by WEGEMT and HYDRUS, these sessions explored strategies to maximize project visibility, build stakeholder engagement, and amplify the consortium’s impact.
• Collaborative Testing: HD KSOE, TWI, and others addressed essential testing protocols and KPI development, establishing a framework for evaluating containment and insulation systems.
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Professor Yonghwan Kim from Seoul National University (SNU), who shared insights on sloshing behaviour in liquefied hydrogen tanks. His research covered essential aspects of sloshing physics and experimental modelling, offering valuable data that could support safer LH2 tank designs.
On the third day, we had the opportunity to visit the HHI yard in Ulsan, where we observed advanced LNG containment systems in action. This visit provided a first-hand look at practical applications in hydrogen transport technology, reinforcing the project’s commitment to safe and sustainable practices.
The 2nd GA meeting offered a valuable platform for knowledge-sharing, goal refinement, and deepened collaboration. We are excited to apply the insights gained as LH2CRAFT continues to move forward.
