Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries launched the world’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier, called “Suiso Frontier” at its Kobe Works yard, in a ceremony highlighting the importance of the event. The vessel’s construction is expected to be complete by late 2020.
Specifically, Suiso Frontier will enable the transportation of liquefied hydrogen at 1/800 of its original gas-state volume, cooled to –253°C. In the meantime, the company aims to equip the vessel with a 1,250m3 vacuum-insulated, double-shell-structure liquefied hydrogen storage tank, currently being manufactured at Harima Works, on the ship.
When the vessel is fully constructed and ready for operation, it will be used as a technology demonstration, with the aim of establishing an international hydrogen energy supply chain involving liquefied hydrogen produced in Australia being shipped to Japan.
Hydrogen has been in the spotlight lately, as a next-gen fuel, which does not emit CO2 or any other GHG emissions.
Recently, Australia’s CSIRO issued a report mapping the steps Australia will take to realize a hydrogen industry, highlighting that the plan will cost about A$11 billion ($7.5 billion) a year by 2050.
