Yokogawa Electric Corporation announced that it has secured orders from Kawasaki Heavy Industries to deliver integrated automation systems for a 40,000 cubic metre liquefied hydrogen carrier and two hydrogen-fueled vessels.
Yokogawa says that the carrier, once constructed, will be the largest vessel of its type globally. The shipbuilding program forms part of a Green Innovation Fund initiative overseen by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) aimed at demonstrating commercial-scale, ocean-going liquefied hydrogen transport and building a maritime clean-fuel supply chain.
Automation Platform for the Liquefied Hydrogen Carrier
Yokogawa's automation platform for the carrier will provide integrated control and condition monitoring across onboard equipment, incorporating automated emergency shutdown systems to manage the handling of liquefied hydrogen transported at cryogenic temperatures.
Automation Packages for the Hydrogen-Fueled Vessels
In addition to the carrier vessel, the contract covers automation packages for marine hydrogen fuel systems (MHFS) destined for two hydrogen-powered ships. The MHFS architecture integrates cryogenic storage tanks and fuel distribution machinery, representing a core technology for alternative-fuel propulsion in commercial shipping.
Yokogawa's Experience in Cryogenic and Hydrogen Safety
Koji Nakaoka, Executive VP & Executive Officer and head of the Energy & Sustainability Business Headquarters at Yokogawa Electric, said, "Yokogawa has extensive experience with liquefied natural gas carriers, and our technology is also being applied to liquefied hydrogen carriers. Leveraging the technologies and expertise we have developed in the field of control and safety instrumentation, we will continue to provide solutions that support safe and reliable operations for our customers in the energy sector, including hydrogen."