Oman positioned as global hydrogen energy port hub

MUSCAT, AUG 16

In a significant development for the renewable energy sector, Shigeru Yamamoto, the Deputy General Manager of the Hydrogen Strategy Division at Kawasaki, has highlighted Oman's immense potential as a global hydrogen energy port hub. Yamamoto's statement was made during a media briefing on the sidelines of the visit of the 'Suiso Frontier', the world’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier vessel, to the Sultanate of Oman.

The visit of the Suiso Frontier, manned by Captain Abhishek Sharma, to Oman signifies the growing interest in utilising hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source worldwide. With its strategic location and abundant renewable resources, Oman is well-positioned to become a major player in the hydrogen energy sector.

Yamamoto said, “Oman boasts several key advantages that make it an ideal candidate for establishing itself as a hydrogen energy port hub. First and foremost, the country benefits from an abundance of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power. These resources can be harnessed to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity.”

“Furthermore, Oman's geographical location offers a strategic advantage. Located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, the country serves as a gateway for international hydrogen trade,” he added.

Its proximity to major shipping routes and existing infrastructure, including ports and pipelines, provides a solid foundation for the establishment of a hydrogen export network.

During his visit, Yamamoto praised Oman's commitment to developing a hydrogen economy and expressed confidence in the country's ability to become a global hydrogen energy hub. He emphasized the importance of international collaboration and technology transfer to accelerate the growth of the hydrogen sector in Oman.

Also, Yamamoto explained the Kawasaki Hydrogen Road project which involves the construction of a large-scale liquefied hydrogen carrier. The vessel is expected to be 300 metres long and will be equipped with four 40,000 cubic metre liquefied hydrogen tanks in the front section. This design allows for the transportation of massive quantities of up to 160,000 cubic metres of liquefied hydrogen per voyage. The project aims to further enhance the capacity and efficiency of hydrogen transportation.

Meanwhile, Takashi Yoshiyama also from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, highlighted the features of Suiso Frontier. According to him, Suiso Frontier (‘suiso’ is a Japanese term for hydrogen), showcases the potential of hydrogen carriers in transporting clean energy over long distances. The Suiso Frontier is designed to maintain a temperature of -253 degrees Celsius, which is the boiling point of hydrogen, during its journey on Earth. This ensures that the hydrogen remains in a liquid state throughout transportation. The vessel features a new cargo containment system that can handle the cryogenic temperatures and accumulated pressures associated with liquefied hydrogen.

The primary objective of the Suiso Frontier is to enable the safe and efficient transportation of large volumes of hydrogen. With an overall length of 116.0 metres, an overall width of 19.0 metres, and a depth of 10.6 metres, it has a substantial size. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 8,000 tonnes and can achieve a speed of 13 knots. It has a draft of 4.5 metres and can accommodate a crew of up to 25 persons. The tank capacity of the Suiso Frontier is 1,250 cubic metres, indicating its ability to store substantial volumes of liquefied hydrogen.

He added that in February 2022, the Suiso Frontier completed the world's first voyage of a liquefied hydrogen vessel between Australia and Japan. The vessel is designed to maintain a temperature of -253 degrees Celsius, ensuring that the hydrogen remains in a liquid state. The liquefied hydrogen takes up only 1/800th of the volume of hydrogen gas, allowing for efficient storage and transportation. The Suiso Frontier utilises a double-shelled/vacuum insulated tank for long-term storage, similar to LNG carriers.

According to him, there are plans to scale up the liquefied hydrogen supply chain, which can lead to a reduction in transportation costs by more than 50% in the long run. The Suiso Frontier is a zero-emission vessel that aims to recycle hydrogen for its fuel engine. This means that the vessel utilizes hydrogen as a clean fuel source, reducing emissions during its operations.