CB&I and Hanwha Ocean’s LH2 carrier design okayed by DNV

CB&I, a wholly-owned unrestricted subsidiary of McDermott, and shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean have received approval in principle (AiP) for the design of a cargo containment system and an 80,000 cbm liquid hydrogen (LH2) carrier from classification society DNV.

According to McDermott, the AiP confirms CB&I’s cargo containment systems meet applicable safety standards including class rules, the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code), as well as the Interim Recommendations for Carriage of Liquefied Hydrogen in Bulk, Resolution MSC.420 (97), issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Mark Butts, Senior Vice President for CB&I, stated: “Hanwha Ocean’s expertise in gas carriers perfectly complements CB&I’s expertise in large-scale storage and handling systems for liquid hydrogen. Together we have created a safe, efficient liquid hydrogen carrier design with low boil-off of 0.05% per day. This carrier makes plans for international liquid hydrogen supply chains possible today.”

Youngchang Shon, CTO and Head of Product & Technology Strategy at Hanwha Ocean, elaborated: “Since last year, we have been working in a tripartite agreement with CB&I and DNV to develop an 80,000 m3 medium-sized liquid hydrogen carrier. Our comprehensive research has included verifying the basic performance and structural safety, cargo handling system (CHS), and the conceptual design of an eco-friendly electric propulsion system incorporating hydrogen fuel cells.”

Vidar Dolonen, Regional Manager of DNV Korea and Japan, commented: “Collaboration has always been a key to overcoming new challenges. We are now witnessing an exemplary scene of cooperation where two global leaders in hydrogen and shipbuilding sectors work together closely to realize the shipping of liquid hydrogen, the future medium of renewable energy. At DNV, we are pleased to join CB&I and Hanwha Ocean in their efforts to improve the level of technical maturity and also present the way for the future of liquid hydrogen transportation by showing various propulsion options for LH2 carriers.”

CB&I is supporting Hanwha Ocean’s carrier design with its cargo containment system consisting of vacuum-insulated double-wall spheres for LH2 transport, which has also been approved by DNV.

To note, the AiP was formalized with executives from each company at the Gastech Exhibition & Conference held in Houston, U.S., on September 17, 2024.