Sydney-listed Global Energy Ventures (GEV) has taken another big step forward in the development of a compressed hydrogen carrier ship for its C-H2 project.
The energy project company said US classification society ABS has given approval in principle to the vessel's containment system, based on a cargo capacity of 2,000 tonnes of hydrogen.
The system, for which there is a patent pending, is the most critical component of the C-H2 project.
Extensive hazard identification analysis (HAZID) scenarios were assessed.
ABS concluded there were no "unresolvable or unmitigable risks identified ... that would prevent further successful development of the compressed hydrogen ship design".
Martin Carolan, GEV's executive director and head of hydrogen, said the unique compressed hydrogen containment system will provide a low-cost solution for the transport and export of large volumes of hydrogen.
Risks removed
He added the approval and accompanying road map to full class approval has de-risked the path forward, both technically and commercially.
"GEV is now in discussions with parties to evaluate the C-H2 supply chain for future hydrogen export projects, while also identifying suitable sites for the development of its own pilot scale renewable green hydrogen project for a fully integrated green C-H2 supply chain," he said.
Carolan told TradeWinds that the company is probably looking at 18 months or less for full class approval.
"The road map is clear," he said. "However some of the prototype testing events will have some lead-time."
Shipyard interest to be tested
Carolan added that the company will start the shipyard process shortly "to see if a big name will support the vision".
The executive said the approval can be revised to match any requirement for a scaled-down capacity ship for demonstration purposes or for shorter distances and smaller volumes where the loading rate can be optimised with smaller vessels.
In February, GEV signed a cooperation agreement with Canada's Ballard Power Systems to develop a fuel cell for the unit.
The month before, the company clinched a four-year agreement to explore hydrogen shipping with domestic producer Pacific Hydro.
This includes the production, storage, loading, ground and marine transportation of green hydrogen produced by Pacific Hydro’s Ord Hydrogen Project.
'Critical milestone'
GEV completed its C-H2 design in December last year.
Chief executive and executive chairman Maurice Brand called the ABS approval a critical milestone in the continued development of the ship.
"This has been the result of significant effort by the company’s management team, led by Martin Carolan, and GEV’s technical and engineering team in Canada," he said.
"The team delivered this critical milestone several months ahead of schedule and under budget. The board is delighted with the outcome."
