Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and TB Global Technologies have jointly developed a ship-to-shore coupler for liquefied hydrogen (LH2) transport.
A prototype coupler has passed development tests and obtained technology qualification from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK).
The flange-style coupler is used to connect the cargo handling pipework on a LH2 carrier ship to a marine loading arm installed on the jetty at the liquefied hydrogen site. Ensuring high sealing performance and safe usage under the cryogenic conditions (-253℃) of LH2, the new couplers have been designed for improved workability during connection. Low temperature strength testing using liquefied hydrogen at Noshiro Rocket Testing Centre of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) showed no problems, and the couplers were technically qualified by ClassNK.
By officially recognising the reliability of a technology key for constructing the supply chain, this qualification is seen as a major step forward towards the commercial-scale marine transport of LH2.
Prototype 6-in ship shore coupler at JAXA Noshiro Rocket Testing Centre (source: KHI)
