ABS and Pusan National University Join Forces for Liquid Hydrogen Carriers
Key Ideas
- ABS partners with Pusan National University to develop liquid hydrogen carriers and cryogenic ship systems.
- Collaboration aims to advance hydrogen propulsion systems for maritime use, supporting global supply chains.
- Joint efforts to address challenges of storing and transporting liquid hydrogen on a commercial scale.
- International initiatives are underway to scale up hydrogen transport, including alternative approaches like LOHC technology.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea's Pusan National University Hydrogen Ship Technology Center to work on developing technologies for liquid hydrogen carriers and cryogenic ship systems. This partnership will leverage the expertise of both organizations to advance hydrogen propulsion systems and support the development of liquid hydrogen carriers, a critical component in expanding global hydrogen supply chains. The Hydrogen Ship Technology Center in South Korea has been tasked with leading the nation's project on the commercialization of liquid hydrogen carriers, including the construction of what would be the world's largest such carrier. Liquid hydrogen, which needs to be stored at ultra-low temperatures, presents challenges due to its low energy density and management of boil-off gas. The partnership with ABS is expected to drive further innovation in utilizing liquid hydrogen through international exchange activities. The agreement reflects the increasing global focus on scaling hydrogen transport solutions, with countries exploring various methods to import hydrogen. For instance, Japanese company ENEOS is collaborating with Honeywell to develop a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) system that simplifies transport by bonding hydrogen to a liquid, eliminating the need for extreme cryogenic conditions. Meanwhile, researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Florida are working on a liquid hydrogen storage and delivery system for zero-emission aviation. These initiatives signal a growing interest in hydrogen technology across different sectors, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions to address storage and transportation challenges.