Shell has teamed up with GTT, a French engineering firm, to create “breakthrough, cutting-edge technology” that would allow liquid hydrogen to be transported by sea (LH2).
Shell International Trading and Shipping Company and GTT have signed a partnership agreement as part of Shell’s ambition to build a hydrogen energy supply chain by developing scalable and safe liquefied hydrogen shipping technology. GTT is working on a preliminary LH2 carrier design as well as an LH2 cargo containment system for a mid-size LH2 carrier.
To satisfy the need for net zero-carbon energy sources in the energy transition, demand for hydrogen is expected to rise across several industries. One of the technological hurdles that must be overcome in order to develop a reliable, efficient, and competitive hydrogen supply chain is the capacity to transport very large amounts of hydrogen in liquid form at -250°C.
GTT brings its more than 50-year track record and recognized expertise in membrane containment systems and cryogenic technologies developed for the shipping and storage of liquefied natural gas to the table, as a technology expert in the design of cryogenic containment systems used to store and transport liquefied gases (LNG).
GTT’s chairman and CEO, Philippe Berterottière, stated, “On this extremely promising initiative, we are especially happy to unite our knowledge and creative skills with those of Shell. With the safe and scalable deployment of liquid hydrogen transport, our collaboration will enable a new technical breakthrough in the maritime sector. GTT’s research and development teams are especially committed to pushing back technical boundaries and making decarbonization a reality.”
Carl Henrickson, general manager of Shell Shipping and Maritime’s technology, innovation, and digitalization, stated, “Shell’s strategy is to become a net-zero carbon energy supplier by 2050 or sooner, in line with societal expectations, and we believe that hydrogen and hydrogen technologies will play a key role in achieving this goal. As a result, the safe and efficient bulk transport of liquid hydrogen will be a major enabler, and we think GTT’s experience can assist to expedite and unleash this future energy source.”
