Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has delivered an Approval in Principle (AiP) to LATTICE Technology Co., Ltd. (LATTICE) for its innovative design and development of Lattice Pressure Vessel (LPV) tanks and liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel gas supply systems for onboard ship installations. This cutting-edge design transforms liquid gas storage on vessels by reducing the space required while maintaining the same cargo volume.
The Lattice Pressure Vessel (LPV) sets a new standard in pressure-loading by utilizing an innovative internal lattice structure that evenly distributes pressure across tension panels, beams, and the outer shell. This design minimizes strain on the tank, allowing it to handle pressures exceeding 30 barg, making it suitable for various storage applications, including cryogenic and medium-pressure environments.
The lattice structure also reduces dynamic loads, sloshing, and free-surface effects, improving operational stability and efficiency. Furthermore, the scalable design optimizes space utilization by up to 50%, reducing costs through automated fabrication and minimizing auxiliary equipment, CAPEX, and OPEX.
Liquid hydrogen (LH2) propulsion systems present a promising alternative for reducing emissions in the shipping industry, as hydrogen combustion produces zero direct emissions. This aligns with the maritime industry's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating environmental impacts. The adoption of LH2 propulsion holds significant potential for reducing the sector's carbon footprint, paving the way for a more energy-efficient, sustainable, and future-proof shipping industry.
“As the maritime industry accelerates its transition towards a greener future, the development of innovative liquid hydrogen (LH2) propulsion systems has become a critical priority. A significant milestone in this journey has been the Approval in Principle granted by Bureau Veritas for a new LH2 fuel tank and gas supply system.” - Alex Gregg-Smith, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific (APA), Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
Paal Braathen, Chief Executive Officer of LATTICE International AS, said: “Hydrogen-propelled ships can be an option for reducing CO2 emissions, the main cause of global warming. Although many tasks remain ahead, it can be said that this is a challenge our generation must successfully tackle.”
The certificate of Approval in Principle (AIP) was officially presented to Jon E. Bergan, Chief Commercial Officer of Lattice International AS, by Christophe Chauviere, Vice President of SWENA, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, in a ceremony at Gastech 2024 in Houston.