Energy giant Shell and containment specialist GTT will work together to develop innovative technologies to enable the transportation of liquid hydrogen (LH2), including a preliminary LH2 carrier design.

The demand for hydrogen will increase to meet the need for carbon-neutral energy sources in the energy transition. In order to establish a competitive H2 supply chain, the industry must be able to transport large volumes of it in liquefied form.

Therefore, Shell and GTT signed this cooperation agreement. It is specifically a part of Shell’s strategy to develop a hydrogen energy supply chain. It will do so by creating scalable and safe LH2 shipping technologies.

Under the deal, GTT is to develop a preliminary LH2 carrier design as well as an LH2 cargo containment system for mid-size LH2 carriers.

GTT says its technological know-how and capacity for innovation are major assets for developing an optimal containment solution; the kind that can serve on an industrial scale for the maritime transport of liquefied hydrogen.

Philippe Berterottière, CEO of GTT, said: “We are particularly proud to combine our expertise and innovation capabilities with those of Shell on this very promising project. Our cooperation will allow a new technological breakthrough in the shipping world with the safe and scalable deployment of liquid hydrogen transport.”

Carl Henrickson from Shell stated: “Shell’s strategy is to become a net-zero carbon energy supplier by 2050 or sooner…  Therefore, safe and efficient bulk transport of LH2 will be a critical enabler and we believe GTT brings key expertise to this project that will ultimately help to accelerate and unlock this future energy source.”