Korean partners gain AiP for liquid hydrogen fuel tanks

The tanks were developed by the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO), Hylium Industries, POSCO, and Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (KSOE).

One of the tank designs approved is made from 316L stainless steel and the other 316HN stainless steel. 316L stainless steel is a current-generation steel that can be directly applied to the production of liquid hydrogen storage containers in an environment of -253 Celsius, whereas 316HN stainless steel, developed by POSCO Group, is a next-generation steel that has addressed the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.

A special structure was installed in the tank to prevent performance degradation due to sloshing in partially filled tanks. A new concept support structure with a heat scattering function and vapour cooling barrier boosts insulation of the tank.

A 400kg capacity prototype tank has been made of 316L stainless steel. The partners are also developing a fuel system, and Kim Hyun-seok, the senior researcher at KRISO who developed the liquid hydrogen fuel tank, said the partners plan to demonstrate a hydrogen-powered eco-friendly vessel equipped with the new fuel tank.

In November 2021, KRISO signed an MOU with Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO) for the joint development of marine energy such as wave power and green marine hydrogen technology.