150,000 cubic meters of liquid hydrogen carrier! Four French companies joined forces to develop it

French energy giant TotalEnergies, French Classification Society (BV), French LNG containment specialist GTT and ship designer LMG Marin have teamed up to develop a large liquid hydrogen (LH2) carrier.

The four parties have signed a joint development project to develop a 150,000 cubic meter liquid hydrogen carrier equipped with GTT's thin-film envelope system.

According to the division of labor, Total Energy will work to determine the specifications of the vessel, including operational characteristics. GTT will be responsible for designing the membrane envelope system, taking into account the limitations associated with liquid hydrogen. LMG Marin will determine the conceptual design of the liquid hydrogen carrier based on the vessel specifications established by Total Energy and the relevant limitations of GTT's membrane envelope system. The responsibility of the French Classification Society is to conduct risk assessments and design reviews in accordance with the latest regulatory requirements, which will ensure compliance with the requirements of the French Classification Society's regulations, with the goal of issuing an approval in principle (AiP).

Philippe Berterottiere, Chairman and CEO of GTT, said: "We are very proud to be working with Total Energy, LMG Marin and French Veritas to tackle the ambitious technical and environmental challenges of the maritime transport of liquid hydrogen. "Our ability to design a disruptive technology for large ships is an important step in the evolution of the hydrogen industry and in line with our company's strategic vision."

"Collaboration among complementary industry members is an effective way to reduce risk and accelerate deployment of the hydrogen value chain. We are confident that this joint development program will demonstrate the promise of large-scale transportation of hydrogen in liquid form."

Matthieu de Tugny, President of BV Marine & Offshore, said: "Hydrogen is a key component of the energy transition and holds great promise for our industry. As a classification society, we recognise our responsibility to support the safe development of such innovative projects and we are committed to ensuring that the project meets the highest safety and environmental standards."

Vincent Rudelle, Managing Director of LMG Marin France, said: "We have already operated the world's first liquid hydrogen-powered vessel in Norway, and with this unique liquid hydrogen carrier project, we will share our experience of liquid hydrogen, where emissions reduction and innovation are in our DNA."

It is understood that the world's first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry "MF Hydra" operated by the Norwegian company Norled has recently opened its first zero-emission maiden voyage, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95% per year. The ship, which will be delivered in 2021, is 82.4 meters long and can transport 300 passengers and 80 cars at speeds of up to 9 knots. The vessel is equipped with a 400 kW fuel cell and an 880 kW generator set that drives the Schottell thrusters. There is an 80 cubic meter tank on board for hydrogen storage.