HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) has announced its partnership with 14 European institutions, including the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Dresden University of Technology, to initiate the joint development of large liquefied hydrogen cargo tanks. The project, selected for the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation funding program, aims to receive grants from the European Commission to support its advancements.
Over the course of four years, the KSOE consortium plans to invest approximately 10 million euros (around 14 billion won or US$10.7 million) in developing a 160,000 cubic meter liquefied hydrogen cargo tank. As a leading player in the gas carrier market, KSOE will take charge of the conceptualization and basic design of the liquefied hydrogen cargo tank, which serves as the project’s focal point.
The collaboration with global classification societies like ABS and engineering companies such as HYDRUS and TWI is expected to foster synergies in design, manufacturing, and risk assessment, while also facilitating knowledge exchange with domestic research institutes and businesses.
Through this project, KSOE aims to secure core technologies for hydrogen cargo tanks and establish itself as a global leader in setting hydrogen-related standards. The development of large liquefied hydrogen cargo tanks is crucial for the storage and transportation of hydrogen, which is gaining significant attention as a clean and sustainable energy source.
Liquefied hydrogen offers several advantages, including high energy density and the ability to be transported and stored more efficiently compared to gaseous hydrogen. These large cargo tanks will enable the transportation of substantial amounts of hydrogen, supporting the growth of the hydrogen economy and its integration into various sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation.
The initiative aligns with the global efforts to transition towards a low-carbon future, as hydrogen emerges as a viable solution for decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify. By developing reliable and standardized hydrogen storage and transportation infrastructure, the consortium’s work can contribute to unlocking the full potential of hydrogen as a key element in the clean energy transition.
The partnership with esteemed institutions and the support from the Horizon Europe funding program further emphasize the significance and potential impact of this project. The grants from the European Commission will provide vital financial resources to accelerate research and innovation, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across international borders.
