German duo to develop LOHC-driven vessel concept

Germany-based HGK Shipping and Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies will develop a demonstration inland waterway vessel with liquid hydrogen organic carrier (LOHC) technology by 2028.

PHOTO: A rendered image of a LOHC Storage Plant. Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies

The vessel will be powered by fuel cells using hydrogen released from the LOHC, HGK Shipping says.

Hydrogen has a low volumetric energy density. It needs to be stored either in a compressed form at high pressure (350-700 bar) or in a cryogenic form at very low temperatures (−252.8°C) to ensure it does not escape into the atmosphere during transportation. However, both of these processes are very expensive and tend to make hydrogen transportation more expensive.

A cost-effective solution

In response, hydrogen producers and suppliers are exploring other methods of transporting hydrogen over long distances with minimal boil-off losses. One example of such technology is liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs).

In LOHC-based technology, hydrogen is chemically bonded to stable liquid organic carriers, which are derivatives of oil that react reversibly with hydrogen. It can be stored without being compressed and requires little to no changes in storage infrastructure, which can make it a cost-effective alternative for long-range transportation of hydrogen.

Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies' employs thermal oil benzyl toluene as a LOHC. Since benzoyl toluene can be stored and transported like a conventional fossil fuel, no infrastructure modifications are required. In addition, it can be used multiple times to absorb and release hydrogen as needed.

A growing market for LOHCs

Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies has also partnered with Dutch storage terminal company Vopak to develop LOHC-based hydrogen supply chains within an existing infrastructure.

Besides, a consortium led by the Net Zero Technology Centre and the Port of Rotterdam is creating a "hydrogen highway" between Scotland and Rotterdam based on LOHC technology.

In Asia, Japanese companies, Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) and ENOES are looking at another chemical called methylcyclohexane (MCH) which can be used as a green hydrogen carrier.

By Konica Bhatt

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