Advancements and Challenges in Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank Design for Maritime Applications

ABSTRACT

In line with the Paris Agreement and the IMO's decarbonization goals, the shipping industry has begun to focus more intensively on adopting alternative fuels to reduce emissions. Among these, hydrogen has attracted considerable attention, with liquid hydrogen (LH ₂ ) offering advantages in energy density and storage volume over compressed gas. However, the use of LH ₂ in maritime applications introduces specific technical and regulatory challenges. This paper reviews the current state of LH ₂ storage tank design for maritime vessels, focusing on hazards, tank geometries, insulation methods, and material requirements. A comparison with LNG is presented to highlight the distinct properties of hydrogen that influence containment design. The review also examines the evolving regulatory framework, including interim IMO guidelines, and discusses recent demonstration projects such as Suiso Frontier, MF Hydra, ZERO‐V, and HyShip. Attention is given to insulation strategies and material compatibility under cryogenic and marine conditions, as these remain central to safe and efficient operation. By consolidating findings from both research and practice, this paper provides an overview of the progress achieved so far and identifies areas where further work is required to support the safe integration of LH ₂ into maritime transport.