Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has achieved a major milestone in hydrogen transport with the receipt of an Approval in Principle (AiP) from classification society DNV for its newly designed liquid hydrogen (LH₂) carrier. The vessel features an advanced vacuum-insulated Type C tank system engineered for safe and efficient operations under extreme cryogenic conditions.
Innovative Design for Safe Hydrogen Transport
SHI’s LH₂ carrier design integrates a robust hull structure with a vacuum-insulated Type C tank system optimized for cryogenic storage. Key features include a spherical tank shape engineered to reduce size and weight, and the use of glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) for supports between the inner and outer tanks.
This configuration minimizes heat transfer, reduces boil-off gas (BOG) losses, and ensures greater cargo safety during long-distance transport of liquid hydrogen.
Industry Recognition and Energy Transition Role
Commenting on the achievement, CS Bang, Vice President of SHI, stated: “Receiving DNV’s AiP is a testament to our engineering capabilities and vision for hydrogen transport. We believe this vessel will play a vital role in building a global hydrogen supply chain.”
Vidar Dolonen, DNV’s Regional Manager for Korea & Japan, added: “Building confidence in new technologies and new energy solutions begins with building trust. By working closely with partners like SHI, and applying our expertise and rules, we can lay the groundwork for next-generation vessels that will support the energy transition.”
An AiP serves as an independent confirmation that a concept is feasible, compliant with safety requirements, and free of major technical barriers an essential step toward commercialization.
The Approval in Principle marks an important step for SHI as it positions itself at the forefront of hydrogen transportation technology. With advanced safety features and engineering solutions, the new LH₂ carrier design is set to support the creation of a sustainable global hydrogen supply chain, reinforcing the maritime sector’s role in enabling the clean energy transition.
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Source: DNV
