TotalEnergies, GTT win BV’s nod for large-scale LH2 carrier design

French energy giant TotalEnergies and compatriot containment specialist GTT have received approval in principle (AiP) is for the preliminary design of a 150,000 cbm large-scale LH2 carrier equipped with the GTT containment system.

As explained, the design is part of a joint development project (JDP) carried out with ship designer LMG Marin France. The partners also received AiP for the design of a cryogenic membrane containment system for liquefied hydrogen (LH2) developed by GTT. The project was developed in April 2023.

The ability to transport very large volumes of hydrogen in liquefied form, at -253°C, is one of the technological challenges to be met to establish a reliable, efficient and competitive hydrogen supply chain and, therefore, to enable an energy transition towards a carbon-free future.

Faced with these challenges, TotalEnergies, GTT, LMG Marin and Bureau Veritas have joined forces to develop an innovative large-scale LH2 carrier concept.

The companies emphasized that this collaboration testifies to the exceptional synergy between key players in French industry to meet the challenges of hydrogen shipping on a global scale.

Under the JDP, TotalEnergies specified the design codes, the vessel’s limits in terms of dimensions and capacity, the requirements for the propulsion mode and the associated CO2 emissions on the shipping routes envisaged.

Meanwhile, GTT designed the membrane containment system and the cargo management system, taking into account the constraints associated with liquefied hydrogen.

On the other hand, LMG Marin developed the 150,000 cbm vessel design, adapted to the specifications, and operational profile, incorporating the membrane containment system.

“Alongside TotalEnergies, LMG Marin and Bureau Veritas, we are proud to have met this ambitious technological and environmental challenge for the maritime transport of liquefied hydrogen. GTT’s ability to design a breakthrough technology suitable for large vessels is a major step forward for the development of the hydrogen industry,” Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, declared.

“This joint development project has enabled us to gain a better understanding of the liquefied hydrogen supply chain and the associated challenges. We have reached a major milestone in the development of this sector, and the complementarity between TotalEnergies, GTT, LMG Marin and Bureau Veritas has made a major contribution to this,” Karine Boissy-Rousseau, Director of Green Gases at TotalEnergies, commented.

“With the emergence of previously unexplored energy vectors, a whole global supply chain needs to be built, and the conclusions of this JDP provide an initial outline of the maritime aspect. With the development of this innovative vessel of almost 290m, transporting 150,000 m³ of cargo at -253°C in a carbon-free way, LMG Marin France confirms its ability to address the most innovative issues, and thus reinforces its position as a leader in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector,” Vincent Rudelle, Managing Director of LMG Marin France, underlined.

“We are very pleased to be able to award these two AIPs, which testify to the quality of the technical work carried out on innovative subjects, and to the availability of the latest technology,” Matthieu de Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, concluded.