On the occasion of the Hyvolution Summit 2024 trade show, GTT, TotalEnergies, LMG Marin and Bureau Veritas announced the success of their Joint Development Project (JDP), which resulted in two Approvals in Principle (AIP) from Bureau Veritas.

The first approval concerns the design of a cryogenic membrane containment system for liquefied hydrogen (LH₂) developed by GTT. The second is for the preliminary design of a 150,000 m³ Large-Scale LH₂ Carrier equipped with the GTT containment system.

These approvals are part of the JDP announced in April[1] 2023, paving the way for the maritime transport of hydrogen. 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. This collaboration testifies to the exceptional synergy between key players in French industry to meet the challenges of hydrogen shipping on a global scale. Each member has contributed specific expertise and know-how, demonstrating a collective commitment to finding solutions to the climate challenge:

• 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;
• GTT designed the membrane containment system and the cargo management system, taking into account the constraints associated with liquefied hydrogen;
• LMG Marin developed the 150,000m³ vessel design, adapted to the specifications, operational profile and incorporating the membrane containment system;
• Bureau Veritas carried out a risk assessment, reviewed the designs in line with the latest regulatory requirements, and ensured that they met Bureau Veritas rules.

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, declares: “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.”

Karine Boissy-Rousseau, Director of Green Gases at TotalEnergies, comments: “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.”

Vincent Rudelle, Managing Director of LMG Marin France, underlines: “This project illustrates the ability of French industry, with TotalEnergies, GTT, LMG Marin France and Bureau Veritas, to play a leading role in the transformation of the maritime world and energy supply. 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.”

Matthieu de Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, concludes: “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.”