Kawasaki to Construct World’s Largest Liquefied Hydrogen Carrier

Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Suiso Energy have signed a contract to build a liquefied hydrogen carrier, marking a major step toward commercial-scale hydrogen shipping.

(P&GJ) — Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Suiso Energy have signed a contract to build a 40,000-m³ liquefied hydrogen carrier, which the companies say will be the largest vessel of its kind.

The ship will be constructed at Kawasaki’s Sakaide Works in Kagawa Prefecture. Japan Suiso Energy will operate the vessel as part of Japan’s Green Innovation Fund Project aimed at demonstrating a commercial-scale liquefied hydrogen supply chain by 2030.

The new carrier is designed to support large-volume marine transport of liquefied hydrogen and builds on Kawasaki’s earlier work in the sector, including construction of the SUISO FRONTIER, the world’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier, and participation in pilot hydrogen shipping trials between Japan and Australia.

According to the companies, the vessel will feature high-performance insulated cargo tanks to limit boil-off gas, a hydrogen-capable dual-fuel electric propulsion system, and cargo handling systems designed for cryogenic hydrogen transfer. Boil-off gas generated during transport can be reused as fuel, reducing emissions during operations.

Japan Suiso Energy plans to use the vessel alongside a liquefied hydrogen terminal under construction in Ogishima, Kawasaki City, to evaluate performance, safety, durability and economics under ocean-going conditions.

The project is intended to support the development of an international hydrogen supply chain as Japan advances its decarbonization goals toward 2050.

Pictured: 40,000 m³ liquefied hydrogen carrier (Image source: Kawasaki Heavy Industries)