A French foursome with vast gas experience has unveiled a preliminary design for a 150,000 m3 liquefied hydrogen carrier during Hyvolution Summit 2024. The joint project between GTT, TotalEnergies, LMG Marin and Bureau Veritas has announced the successful completion of the development project, which has brought two major approvals from Bureau Veritas.

The first approval concerns the design of a cryogenic membrane content system for liquid hydrogen (LH2) developed by GTT. The second approval relates to the preliminary design of a 150 000 m3 LH2 bulk carrier equipped with a GTT content system.

These approvals are part of the JDP launched in April 2023, which aims to pave the way for the maritime transport of hydrogen. The ability to transport large volumes of hydrogen in liquid form at -253°C is one of the technological challenges that must be overcome to ensure a reliable, efficient and competitive hydrogen supply chain, enabling the transition to a carbon neutral future.

"Alongside TotalEnergies, LMG Marin and Bureau Veritas, we are proud to have met this ambitious technological and environmental challenge of marine transport of liquid hydrogen. GTT's ability to design a breakthrough technology suitable for large ships represents a major step forward for the development of the hydrogen industry," says GTT Chairman and CEO Philippe Berterottière

According to Karine Boissy-Rousseau, Director of Green Gases at TotalEnergies, this joint development project has enabled a better understanding of the liquid hydrogen supply chain and the challenges involved. "We have reached a major milestone in the development of this sector and the complementarity between TotalEnergies, GTT, LMG Marin and Bureau Veritas has contributed significantly to this."

"This project illustrates the ability of the French industry with TotalEnergies, GTT, LMG Marin France and Bureau Veritas to play a leading role in changing the maritime world and energy supply," stressed Vincent Rudelle, CEO of LMG Marin France. "With the discovery of previously unexplored energy vectors, a global supply chain needs to be built, and the findings of this JDP provide a first outline of the maritime aspect. With the development of this innovative vessel of almost 290 m in length, carrying 150,000 m3 of cargo at -253°C in an environmentally friendly way, LMG Marin France confirms its ability to tackle the latest challenges and thus reinforces its position as a leader in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector."

TotalEnergies, GTT, LMG Marin and Bureau Veritas have joined forces to develop the innovative LH2 bulk carrier concept. This collaboration demonstrates the exceptional synergy of key players in the French industry working to address the challenges of hydrogen transportation on a global scale. Each member has contributed specific knowledge and know-how, demonstrating a collective commitment to finding solutions to climate-related challenges:

  • TotalEnergies specified the design codes, the ship's size and capacity limits, propulsion requirements and associated CO2 emissions on the shipping routes;
  • GTT designed the membrane content system and cargo management system taking into account the constraints associated with liquid hydrogen;
  • LMG Marin developed a 150,000 m3 vessel design tailored to the specifications, operational profile and with an integrated content system;
  • Bureau Veritas carried out a risk assessment, reviewed the designs in accordance with the latest regulatory requirements and ensured they met Bureau Veritas rules.

    Source, photo source: GTT