With large-scale transportation set to start in 2026, Provaris Energy has obtained the first design approval for a compressed hydrogen carrier.
The 26,000 cubic meters H2Neo compressed hydrogen ship from Provaris has been reviewed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), which has validated and authorized the design.
Per Roed, chief technical officer at Provaris, claims that the approval is the result of considerable design and engineering work that was finished on schedule and within budget.
In addition, H2Neo is the first of its kind to obtain this level of ABS approval, upholding Provaris’ position as a pioneer in the development of an integrated compressed hydrogen storage and transportation system for the entire world.
Our compressed hydrogen carriers, he continued, “can safely and effectively establish the maritime transportation of hydrogen at a time when storage and transport remain key to unlocking markets with ambitions for hydrogen imports at scale from 2026. This confidence comes from our close collaboration with ABS throughout this three-year process.
Provaris’ plan to incorporate a multi-layered hydrogen tank into the H2Neo satisfies ABS specifications, according to ABS clearance.
The creation and testing of a hydrogen tank prototype will be the following phase in the development of the carrier.
Provaris will also start making preparations for shipbuilding through a chosen shipyard.
Clarksons has been hired by Provaris to assess shipyards throughout the world and conduct a selection process early the following year.
Late next year is when shipbuilding contracts are anticipated to be completed, with the start of large-scale hydrogen shipping planned for 2026.
The ABS’s approval also gives Provaris the go-ahead to move through with the construction of its larger 120,000m3 H2Max carrier and hydrogen storage barges, adding to the company’s capacity to fulfill the world’s rapidly rising demand.
Provaris’ Tiwi H2 green hydrogen project is anticipated to be supported by the first fleet of H2Neo carriers when they become operational.
Provaris intends to produce up to 100,000 tonnes annually on the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory.
The hydrogen will subsequently be exported through the H2Neo carriers to markets in the Asia Pacific, with this process expected to start in 2027.
Compressed hydrogen can offer a shipping and transit solution for the fuel that is “safe, affordable, and energy-efficient,” according to Provaris managing director and chief executive officer Martin Carolan.
For the world to meet its climate goals through the year 2030 and beyond, hydrogen is considered essential.
Patrick Ryan, senior vice president of worldwide engineering and technology at ABS, said that the growth of the world hydrogen supply chain depends on the safe and effective storage and transportation of hydrogen at sea.
