Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has received approval in principle (AIP) from the classification society ClassNK for a large liquefied hydrogen carrier it is developing.
Because hydrogen does not release CO2, it is projected to be utilized as a clean energy source to achieve a decarbonized civilization. ClassNK has worked on the development of essential standards and certifications to aid in the maritime transit of hydrogen and its use as a marine fuel, which is expected to grow in popularity throughout the world.
ClassNK has issued an AIP for the design of the Cargo Containment System (CCS) with a capacity of 40,000 m3 class per tank developed by the said company in 2021 for use on a large liquefied hydrogen carrier, in addition to class registration of the world’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier, the 1,250m3 carrying capacity Suiso Frontier built by Kawasaki in accordance with its rules and guidelines.
In addition to this AIP for CCS, ClassNK has issued AIPs for Cargo Handling Systems (CHS), which are major design parts of the vessel, and dual-fuel main boilers, which utilize hydrogen boil-off gas as fuel.
ClassNK also stated it looked into the integrated design of a 160,000m3 big liquefied hydrogen carrier with four of the aforementioned cargo confinement devices and issued an AIP to certify the ship’s practicality. According to the class society, large-scale hydrogen transportation with this design is possible to realize based on the three AIPs for CCS, CHS, and dual-fuel main boilers already issued, as well as the verification of the ship arrangement, hull structure/ stability, power generation/ distribution system, and comprehensive hydrogen fire protection and extinction philosophy.
ClassNK conducted the design review of the liquefied hydrogen carrier using Part N of Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, which incorporates the IGC Code, and its Guidelines for Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers, which incorporates the IMO’s interim recommendations for Liquefied Hydrogen in Bulk Carriage. In addition, based on the results of the HAZID risk assessment, a thorough safety evaluation was undertaken, leading to the issue of the AIP.
