LH2CRAFT

Safe and Efficient Marine Transportation of Liquid Hydrogen

Transport plays a key role both in the cohesion of the European Union and in its growth through trade with the rest of the world. Thus, it has been of fundamental importance for economic growth, employment, and equality. However, as transport is a key component of our daily life, the carbon footprint of our transport activities has grown. Decarbonization efforts culminated in the clear commitment of the recent European Green Deal Strategy, which seeks for a 90% reduction in emissions by 2050 through the introduction of more sustainable, affordable, accessible, healthier, and cleaner alternatives.

One fuel that is central to these policies is Hydrogen (H₂). H₂ has the highest energy per mass of any fuel but its low ambient temperature density results in a low energy per unit volume, therefore, requiring the development of advanced storage methods that will allow the storage and transportation (for energy generation as well) over longer distances from places where they can be produced at a significantly reduced cost, to regions where they are mostly needed. The most efficient way of transportation of H2 is in liquid form (i.e., in -253 °C and in a reduction in volume by approximately 800 times over its gaseous phase).

The goal of LH2CRAFT project is to develop a new generation sustainable, commercially attractive, and safe technology for long-term storage and long-distance transportation of LH₂ on ships; to be realized by developing new design solutions for storage at a temperature of 20 K and demonstrating it on a 180 m³ containment system. Two societal objectives will be served: society's needs and EU's strong global maritime leadership with major impacts on EU´s innovation-driven industry providing highly skilled jobs, efficient technological solutions, and international regulatory standards.

A large cargo ship in the sea with the inscription ‘HD HYUNDAI’ and ‘LH2CARRIER’. There are clouds on the horizon. — Concept Ship for Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) Transportation.

Map with the international project partners. — Map with the partners involved in the project.

Period

01.06.2023 – 31.05.2027

Project partners

Funding

UK participation in NH3CRAFT Project is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK governmentʼs Horizon Europe guarantee
Funding code: 10038548 and 10037828, GA 101056831