▶ Jointly developed by KRISO, POSCO, KSOE, and Hylium Industries
▶Laying the foundation for carbon neutrality through leadership in eco-friendly hydrogen power ship technology
Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean engineering (KRISO, president Booki Kim) has taken an important first step in the development of hydrogen powered eco-friendly ships. KRISO announced that it was awarded 2 Approved in Principles (AIPs) from the Korean Register (Chairman Lee Hyungchul) at the AIP awarding ceremony for the ‘400 kg 316L/316HN Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Tanks for Ships’ held at the POSCO Center Event Hall on Jan 12.
The AIP awarding ceremony was attended by representatives from KRISO and its partners in the development of the technologies, POSCO Group, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), and Hylium Industries. The two AIPs were awarded for two different types of ‘400 kg liquid hydrogen fuel tanks for ships’, made from different kinds of stainless steel, 316L and 316HN. 316L is a type of stainless steel which is in current industrial use, which can be immediately applied to the production of liquid hydrogen storage containers that can withstand extreme cold up to –253℃. 316HN is a type of stainless steel newly developed by POSCO, engineered to minimize the problem of hydrogen embrittlement* occurring in ultra-low temperatures.
* Hydrogen embrittlement: Phenomenon in which metal becomes breakable like glass with the diffusion of hydrogen into the metal
The liquid hydrogen fuel tanks also feature groundbreaking design features demonstrating cutting edge technologies. Firstly, a special breakwater panel prevents the degradation of fuel caused by liquid hydrogen phase change when the level of liquid hydrogen changes or when the ship experiences turbulent movements. The liquid hydrogen fuel tanks also have improved thermal insulation with a novel heat scattering support structure and vapor cooling barrier.
<Reduction of liquid hydrogen movement using special breakwater panel >
These AIPs represent the recognition of the technologies by the most authoritative organization in Korea, as well as the securing of technological leadership in the field of hydrogen powered eco-friendly ships through cooperation between expert organizations in various fields, accelerating the development of carbon-free ships. KRISO and its partners went beyond the design stage, to produce a first prototype of the 400 kg 316L liquid hydrogen fuel tank for ships.
<Prototype of the 400 kg 316L liquid hydrogen fuel tank for ships >
KRISO senior researcher Hyunseok Kim, who leads the liquid hydrogen fuel tank project, shared future plans for the project, saying, “we plan to further develop the technology toward commercialization, with hydrogen powered eco-friendly ships using the liquid hydrogen fuel tank being tested in the new eco-friendly ship R&D facilities being constructed in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do.”
KRISO president Booki Kim explained, “liquid hydrogen storage technology is a highly challenging field requiring the consideration of many factors,”adding, “this achievement was made possible thanks to cooperation between four organizations working towards a shared goal. We are eagerly awaiting the day that it will be commercialized in hydrogen powered eco-friendly ships.