ABS awarded the Australian company with an Approval in Principle (AiP) in 2021 for the H2Neo and H2Max, now presenting it with a ‘Design Approval’.

The H2Neo includes two large-diameter cylindrical tanks, one in each of the port and starboard cargo holds with a maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of 250 bar.

The approval from ABS also confirms that Provaris can go ahead with the development of a larger 120,000mᶾ H2Max carrier and hydrogen storage barges, to comply with future hydrogen demand.

Read more: Major milestone achieved with Provaris Energy GH2 carrier

The construction of the extensive front-end engineering design (FEED) and approval milestone were achieved on time and under budget, allowing shipbuilders to provide firm quotations for the construction of H2Neo carriers.

The focus has now shifted to shipyard selection with Clarksons assigned to conclude a global identification and selection process in 2023, Phill Harding, Managing Director S&P, claiming they’re ‘committed’ to achieving a greener future.

Provaris recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French company Total Eren earlier this year (2022) to use compressed hydrogen storage and transport solutions to reach Asian and European markets.

The approval of the GH2 carriers allows the opportunity to import hydrogen into Europe and Asia.

Read more: Total Eren, Provaris Energy sign agreement to cooperate on compressed hydrogen storage and transport

Compression allows a simple and energy effective supply chain for green hydrogen and with the approval of Provaris’ GH2 carriers, hydrogen can safely be transported due to a proprietary cargo containment system that allows for it to be safely managed at 250 bar pressure and ambient temperatures.

Read more: Unlocking regional hydrogen transport – Energy efficient integrated shipping and port solution

Per Roed, Provaris’ Chief Technical Executive Officer, said, “We are confident that our compressed hydrogen carriers can safely and effectively establish the maritime transportation of hydrogen at a time when storage and transport remain key to unlocking markets with ambitions for hydrogen imports.”

Martin Carolan, Provaris’ Managing Director & CEO, added, “Our marketing program over 2022 continues to raise the awareness of compressed H2 as a first mover and feasible alternative for regional hydrogen trades.”