A momentous event unfolded as the world's first-ever liquefied hydrogen carrier, Suiso Frontier, graced the shores of Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat on August 14. Proudly crafted by the renowned Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), this marks the long-anticipated debut of Suiso Frontier in the Sultanate of Oman. The name "Suiso" gracefully translates to hydrogen in Japanese, encapsulating the vessel's groundbreaking mission.
More than just a ship, the Suiso Frontier embodies cutting-edge KHI innovations that bear tremendous significance for Oman's aspirations in clean hydrogen production and global export. Engineered by KHI, a distinguished founding member of the Hydrogen Council, this vessel transcends the boundaries of conventional maritime achievements. Its primary role extends beyond transportation; it stands as a symbol of Japanese hydrogen transport technology, a catalyst for international collaboration in large-scale clean energy transportation, and an architect of global supply networks.
This remarkable vessel, forged with unwavering Japanese government support, reached its final form in 2020, proudly showcasing a pioneering twin tank system. Capable of preserving hydrogen at an ultralow temperature of -253 degrees Celsius, this technology marvelously aligns with Oman's ambitions to foster a flourishing green hydrogen economy.
Suiso Frontier first captured global attention by orchestrating a triumphant voyage—transporting liquefied hydrogen from the shores of Australia to the harbors of Japan in February 2022. Possessing an impressive capacity of up to 8,000 tonnes, this vessel stands poised for the monumental task of long-haul hydrogen transportation across vast maritime expanses.
However, Suiso Frontier's voyage to Oman is more than a single journey; it symbolizes a pioneering step toward the establishment of commercially viable hydrogen supply chains. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, fortified by its expertise in refrigerated marine transportation technology, has been a steadfast leader in the hydrogen industry since as early as 2010.
This achievement is a product of Kawasaki's extensive experience in handling cryogenic liquefied natural gas and hydrogen for rocket fuel. As nations around the world, including Oman, intensify their efforts toward decarbonization and rally behind ambitious net-zero goals, the allure of hydrogen as a clean energy export becomes ever more potent.
Suiso Frontier's gracious arrival in the Omani waters signifies not just the advancement of hydrogen transportation technology, but also a critical stride toward erecting a robust, commercially thriving hydrogen supply network for the years ahead.
Reports from local media indicate that the ship embarked from Abu Dhabi and is en route to Muscat, marking its first visit to the Sultanate of Oman. This momentous visit of the Suiso Frontier holds a significant place in the development of commercially sustainable supply chains for the burgeoning hydrogen market. In line with the recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) titled "Renewable Hydrogen from Oman: A Producer Economy in Transition," Oman is on a determined trajectory to become a competitive low-emissions hydrogen supplier by the year 2030.
The Suiso Frontier, commissioned in 2020 as a prototype ship, was a visionary undertaking to assess the intricate technicalities of transporting liquefied hydrogen by sea. This 8,000-ton marvel spans 116 meters in length and 19 meters in width, harboring a double tank with an impressive 1,250 cubic meters capacity to house hydrogen while maintaining its chilling temperature of -253 degrees Celsius.
Beyond its remarkable design, the vessel boasts a diesel-electric propulsion system, propelling it to a commendable speed of 13.0 knots. It is classified by ClassNK and accommodates a crew of 25 individuals.
For its inaugural journey, the Suiso Frontier embarked on a voyage that began in Japan in December 2021, culminating in Australia in January 2022 to collect liquefied hydrogen produced from coal in Victoria, Australia. In February 2022, it triumphantly returned to Japan, where it unloaded its historic cargo to a landside storage tank.
While this journey saw its share of challenges, notably a fire incident during its maiden voyage due to an improperly-fitted electrical solenoid valve, the Suiso Frontier emerged resilient, successfully delivering the world's first cargo of liquefied hydrogen to Japan.
Oman's hydrogen-related developments have been swift and dynamic throughout the year, as the country forges partnerships, signs agreements, and propels its hydrogen-focused endeavors into the global spotlight.
Image: The historic arrival of the world's inaugural liquefied hydrogen carrier, Suiso Frontier, arrived at Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat on August 14. Credit: KHI
Source: ZAWYA
