H2-Industries and Lloyd's Register (LR) are working together on developing standards for all-electric vessels powered by emission-free Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology.
The agreement was signed between LR and H2 during the Monaco Yacht Show last week. The project is seeking to obtain Approval in Principle for the use of LOHC technology on ships. This covers the refuelling of ships with LOHC, the storage of the energy carrier on board as well as the process of power generation onboard of the vessel.
LOHC Technology
The new LOHC energy storage technology has allowed the full-electric drive to be used for all types of vessels. LOHC technology allows hydrogen to be stored chemically bound and electrical energy to be released on demand. The charged LOHC+ is efficient, non-explosive and has low flammability.
LOHC technology from H2 enables the safe storage of hydrogen as well as the safe and efficient operation of fuel cells onboard. It converts the hydrogen released from the LOHC into electricity, which is then used on the vessel for propulsion and onboard power.
H2’s LOHC technology is also compatible with existing infrastructure. The oily substance can be stored and transported in exactly the same way that diesel is transported. Time consuming charging processes as would be required when using batteries are also eliminated. With the LOHC system, energy cannot only be fuelled in the same way as diesel, but the substance can also be charged with hydrogen as often as required.
Emission-free Navigation
The LOHC system allows a ship to be powered by a silent and vibration free electric motor, without the need for diesel engines. This will make emission-free navigation possible, with complete elimination of CO2 and NOx emissions as well as particulate matter and soot.
LOHC and PortLiner
At Hamburg's international maritime trade fair SMM, PortLiner and H2-Industries announced the development and construction of all-electric inland vessels with LOHC energy storage technology. The Dutch company PortLiner will use H2-Industries' LOHC technology on inland ships in Europe as its exclusive partner.
