In a stride towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, the maritime industry has been fervently exploring alternative fuels and technologies. Among these, hydrogen has emerged as a promising carbon-free option with the potential to revolutionize the sector. In response to this paradigm shift, the Korean Register (KR) has unveiled a groundbreaking research report, shedding light on “Material Compatibility for Liquid Hydrogen Storage on Marine Applications.”
The report comes in the wake of the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 80 meeting, where a collective commitment to curbing emissions was solidified. The maritime community is actively seeking innovative ways to align with the goals of decarbonization. Hydrogen, recognized for its versatility as a fuel and a feedstock for producing alternative fuels like methanol, has garnered significant attention. The surge in international hydrogen trade has spurred the demand for hydrogen carriers and ships powered by this green fuel.
Ensuring the safe storage and transportation of hydrogen in its liquid state necessitates a cryogenic environment. However, until now, a lack of comprehensive research on materials suitable for marine liquid hydrogen storage systems has been evident. In response, KR has been driving the Hydrogen Ship Safety Standard Development Project in partnership with esteemed experts and institutions.
A cornerstone of this endeavor is the ‘Cryogenic Evaluation Infrastructure,’ an exclusive facility designed to test materials under extreme cryogenic conditions, such as those required for hydrogen storage. This facility, the first of its kind in Korea, played a pivotal role in simulating hydrogen’s environment and evaluating materials at -253°C, mirroring the temperature at which liquid hydrogen is stored.
The research report encapsulates the outcomes of these rigorous evaluations, establishing benchmarks for materials including hydrogen pipes and tanks. KR’s Executive Vice President of R&D Division, KIM Daeheon, emphasized the report’s significance, stating, “We believe that the results of this study will provide valuable guidance to industry, academia, and research institutes…to respond to environmental regulations.”
This pioneering report, now accessible on KR’s official website, heralds a new era of insights for maritime stakeholders. KR’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the industry remains unwavering as it continues to spearhead technological advancements and knowledge dissemination.
