A new class of hydrogen ship, designed by C-Job Naval Architects

A brand-new class of liquid hydrogen tanker has been designed by C-Job Naval Architects with the aim of revolutionizing the renewable energy market.

The 141m-long vessel will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells and will feature three liquid hydrogen storage tanks with a total storage capacity of 37,500m³. The vessel’s tanks have been designed to have a much lower boil off than tanks currently used within the maritime sector. The remaining boil off will then be captured and used in hydrogen fuel cells to provide power for the concept ship’s propulsion systems. The vessel will create zero greenhouse gas emissions and emit only water via its exhaust.

LH2 Europe will use a large amount of renewable electricity available in Scotland to produce green hydrogen, which will then be marketed at a competitive price compared to diesel. Liquid hydrogen will be transported by the vessel to terminals in Germany. As demand for fuel increases, the company plans to expand supply to other markets.

Developed in partnership with LH2 Europe, the vessel design concept is considered critical to enabling a green, end-to-end liquid hydrogen supply chain. The ship is scheduled to be completed and commissioned in 2027, with the first six months of hydrogen delivery expected to take place six months later.

“Liquid hydrogen provides unique challenges in ship design and engineering,” commented Job Volwater, CCO, C-Job. “As a comparison, LNG tankers use ballast water to compensate for weight loss following delivery to ensure enough draft. As liquid hydrogen is high in volume but 20 times lighter than LNG, this requires a unique solution. We have created a trapezium-shaped hull design which creates enough deck space to fit the tanks without the need for ballast.

“At C-Job, we have been researching alternative renewable fuels for many years and are excited to work with LH2 Europe to apply our knowledge and experience. Not only to realize a cleaner maritime industry but to support green energy across Europe.”

“Hydrogen will be essential to the future of energy,” said Dr Peter Wells, CEO, LH2 Europe. “It is up to us how quickly we can make that happen. LH2 Europe aims to have a full liquid hydrogen supply chain ready by 2027. We plan to initially deliver 100 tons per day (t/d) of green hydrogen and ramp up production to 300 t/d within three years, depending on demand. This tanker design is a key step in providing the infrastructure to make that clean energy future a reality.  Current vessels in operation are not able to deliver hydrogen at the scale we expect will be required to meet the needs of the market.”