Global Energy Ventures’ (GEV) compressed hydrogen carrier design with a 430-tonne cargo capacity has been approved in principle (AiP) by classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

After reviewing the GEV design in accordance with the ABS “Guidance Notes on Review and Approval of Novel Concepts” and adopting pertinent ideas from the ABS guides, ABS issued the AiP, as reported.

A dynamic positioning system or a dual-fuel engine will power generators attached to two electric drive fixed pitch propellers are also options for GEV’s Handymax design.

The AIP follows an ABS AiP that GEV got in July this year for a compressed hydrogen vessel with a 2,000-tonne capacity, which GEV intends to be the first commercial-scale vessel accessible for marine transport of hydrogen.

“Hydrogen has a significant role to play in global decarbonization initiatives both within shipping and the wider economy. Safe and efficient transport of hydrogen at sea will be critical to the development of the infrastructure required for its wider adoption and we are proud to be able to support GEV with its innovative designs,” said Georgios Plevrakis, ABS Director, Global Sustainability.

“Marine storage and transport solutions are required for hydrogen to contribute to global decarbonization ambitions,” Martin Carolan, Managing Director and CEO, added.

Global Energy aims to host a compressed hydrogen carrier operating fleet by the mid-2020s in order to reach 2050 net-zero emissions ambitions.