Liquefied hydrogen carrier vessel

Abstract

This liquefied hydrogen carrier vessel, when viewed from above, includes a cargo area including a section where a tank is mounted, and a non-cargo area other than the cargo area, and is also provided with a predetermined hazardous section, a non-hazardous section other than the hazardous section, and a drive device including at least one electric motor that directly or indirectly drives a crane. In a plan view, at least a portion of the movable range of the crane overlaps with the cargo area, and the electric motor is arranged in the non-hazardous section.

Description

Liquefied hydrogen carrier

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquefied hydrogen carrier that stores and transports liquefied hydrogen in a tank.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a ship in which a crane is arranged in a cargo compartment, which is a compartment equipped with a cargo tank containing liquefied natural gas (LNG), and is capable of transporting LNG. The LNG carrier of Patent Document 1 can supply the fuel loaded on its own ship to other ships on the water. The crane arranged in the cargo compartment is used, for example, to move a fender as a buffer member to the outside of the ship to prevent the side of the ship from directly contacting the quay wall, pier, or other ships and being damaged when the ship is moored in the port, and is also used to lift the fender inside the ship after leaving the ship.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-132082

[0004] However, in the ship disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is no description of the driving device of the crane. Usually, in the cargo compartment, a manifold or the like that serves as a connection port for LNG piping to other ships is arranged, and the surrounding of the manifold is a predetermined dangerous area. Generally, since the driving device includes an electric motor, when the driving device is arranged in the dangerous area, explosion-proof measures are required for the electric motor. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the crane may increase, and accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the LNG carrier may increase.

[0005] In addition, liquefied gas carriers may also transport liquefied hydrogen. When the liquefied gas to be transported is liquefied hydrogen, higher explosion-proof measures are required than for LNG, and accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the liquefied gas carrier may increase.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a liquefied hydrogen carrier with reduced manufacturing costs by using a non-explosion-proof specification for the electric motor.

[0007] The liquefied hydrogen carrier of this disclosure is a liquefied hydrogen carrier that transports liquefied hydrogen contained in tanks, and when viewed from above, the liquefied hydrogen carrier includes a cargo area including a compartment on which the tanks are mounted, a non-cargo area other than the cargo area, a predetermined hazardous area, a non-hazardous area other than the hazardous area, a crane having a crane body that can rotate relative to the liquefied hydrogen carrier and a boom that can be raised and lowered relative to the crane body, and a drive device including at least one electric motor that directly or indirectly drives the crane, wherein at least a portion of the range of motion of the crane overlaps with the cargo area in a plan view, and the electric motor is located in the non-hazardous area.

[0008] According to this disclosure, since the electric motor is excluded from the hazardous area, the electric motor can be made non-explosion-proof. Because the electric motor does not need to be explosion-proof, the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier can be kept low.

[0009] This is a side view of a liquefied hydrogen carrier according to the first embodiment. This is an enlarged side view of the area around the cargo machinery room crane in the liquefied hydrogen carrier of Figure 1. This is an enlarged side view of the area around the hose handling crane in the liquefied hydrogen carrier of Figure 1. This is a plan view of the crane showing its range of motion in the liquefied hydrogen carrier of Figure 1. This is a side view of a liquefied hydrogen carrier according to the second embodiment. This is an enlarged side view of the area around the engine parts crane in the liquefied hydrogen carrier of Figure 5. This is a side view of a liquefied hydrogen carrier according to the third embodiment. This is an enlarged side view of the area around the hose handling crane in the liquefied hydrogen carrier of Figure 7. This is an enlarged side view of the area around the cargo machinery room crane in the liquefied hydrogen carrier of Figure 7. This is a side view of a liquefied hydrogen carrier according to the fourth embodiment. This is a side view of a liquefied hydrogen carrier according to the fifth embodiment. This is a side view of a liquefied hydrogen carrier according to the sixth embodiment.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a liquefied hydrogen carrier according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 shows a side view of the liquefied hydrogen carrier according to the first embodiment. The liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a hull 2 ​​and four tanks 3 mounted on the hull 2. The tanks 3 contain liquefied hydrogen and are cargo tanks for transporting liquefied hydrogen. In this embodiment, the tanks 3 are arranged in the length direction (front-to-back direction), which is the left-to-right direction of the paper in Figure 1, but if the width of the ship, which is the depth direction of the paper in Figure 1, is wide, they may be arranged in the width direction. In addition, the number of tanks 3 mounted on the hull 2 ​​may be one or more. The tanks 3 include the foremost tank 3a, the second tank from the front 3b, the third tank from the front 3c, and the rearmost tank 3d. The hull 2 ​​is equipped with a cargo hold 4 that houses the tanks.

[0011] In this embodiment, the four tanks 3 have substantially the same structure. In this embodiment, the tanks 3 are configured as multi-layer tanks. However, the tanks 3 may have a different structure. For example, the tanks 3 may be configured as single-layer tanks. Also, if multiple tanks 3 are installed on the ship 1, each of the multiple tanks 3 may have a different structure.

[0012] The liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 includes a cargo area R1 and a non-cargo area R2. The cargo area R1 includes the area where the tanks 3 are installed when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above. Furthermore, the cargo area R1 includes not only the area where the tanks 3 are located, but also the area where the cargo hold 4 containing the tanks 3 is located. The non-cargo area R2 is the area other than the cargo area R1 when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above.

[0013] The cargo area, separate from the hazardous / non-hazardous area classification described later, represents an area with a high probability of cargo gas leakage. Therefore, regulations require that the layout and equipment in the cargo area be designed with safety in mind.

[0014] The liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 has, in addition to the tanks 3, a living quarters 6, an engine room 7, and a cargo machinery room 8 as structures projecting from the deck 5. The living quarters 6 are located behind the area where the tanks 3 are lined up. The engine room 7 is located behind the living quarters 6. The cargo machinery room 8 is located inside the area where the tanks 3 are lined up when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above. In this embodiment, the cargo machinery room 8 is positioned to straddle the boundary between the third tank from the front 3c and the rearmost tank 3d. The living quarters 6 are provided with space for the crew to live. The engine room 7 houses part of the engine, as well as auxiliary equipment such as a supercharger, fuel pump, and lubricating oil tank. The cargo machinery room 8 houses cargo equipment such as a cargo compressor that compresses so-called boil-off gas, which is the evaporated liquefied hydrogen inside the tanks 3, and gas obtained by forcibly vaporizing liquefied gas.

[0015] The liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is equipped with three types of cranes 9. The three types of cranes 9 include a cargo machinery room crane 9a, an engine parts crane 9b, and a hose handling crane 9c. In this embodiment, the cargo machinery room crane 9a is positioned on the upper surface of the cargo machinery room 8. The cargo machinery room crane 9a is used for loading and unloading goods into and out of the cargo machinery room 8. Specifically, the cargo machinery room crane 9a is used to load or unload replacement parts for cargo equipment such as cargo compressors that compress boil-off gas or vaporized liquefied gas into or out of the cargo machinery room 8. In this embodiment, the cargo machinery room crane 9a is a crane whose slewing range overlaps with the cargo machinery room 8 when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above.

[0016] In this embodiment, the engine parts crane 9b is positioned below the upper end surface 7a of the engine room 7 and above the vertical intermediate position 7b of the engine room 7. The height of the engine parts crane 9b is not particularly limited and may be positioned at other heights. The engine parts crane 9b is used for loading and unloading goods into and out of the engine room 7. That is, the engine parts crane 7 loads items such as lubricating oil and replacement parts for the engine and auxiliary equipment into or out of the engine room 7. In this embodiment, the engine parts crane 9b is a crane whose slewing range overlaps with the engine room 7 at least in part when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above. In this embodiment, the engine parts crane 9b also functions as a provision crane. When the engine parts crane 9b is used as a provision crane, it is mainly used for loading cargo into the living quarters 6. In other words, the provision crane is mainly used for loading cargo into the living quarters 6.

[0017] Furthermore, on the deck 5, a hose handling crane 9c is positioned between two of the four tanks 3b and 3c, which are located on the inner side in the longitudinal direction of the four tanks 3 arranged in the longitudinal direction. The hose handling crane 9c is positioned around a manifold 10 used for loading cargo into or out of the tanks 3. The manifold 10 has an inlet for loading liquefied hydrogen into the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 or an outlet for loading liquefied hydrogen from the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1. In this embodiment, the manifold 10 has multiple openings 10a that serve as inlets or outlets for supplying liquefied hydrogen gas to multiple tanks 3 housed in the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 or for discharging liquefied hydrogen gas from multiple tanks 3. The engine parts crane 9b, the hose handling crane 9c, and the manifold 10 are provided on both the port and starboard sides. Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is equipped with a total of five cranes 9 of three different types. In this embodiment, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above, the hose handling crane 9c is positioned so that at least a portion of its slewing range overlaps with the manifold 10. Although a configuration in which the hose handling crane 9c and manifold 10 are provided on both the port and starboard sides has been described, if the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 docks in only one direction, the hose handling crane 9c and manifold 10 may be provided on only one of the two sides, either the port or the starboard side.

[0018] Each of the five cranes 9 in this embodiment has a crane body 11 that can rotate relative to the hull of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1, and a boom 12 that can be raised and lowered relative to the crane body 11. The crane body 11 is configured to be rotatable relative to the hull 2. The boom 12 is configured to have an elevation angle that can be changed relative to the crane body 11. For example, a lifting device can be suspended from the tip of the boom 12 via a wire so as to be able to be raised and lowered. The crane 9 can also be used as a winch to wind up a rope. In this embodiment, the boom 12 has a constant length, but it may be configured to be retractable.

[0019] In this embodiment, the crane 9 is operated by operating a lever provided on the crane body 11. Alternatively, as will be described later, an operator may enter an operating area located separately from the crane 9 and partitioned off as part of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1, and the crane 9 may be operated by the operator in the operating area.

[0020] Figure 2 shows an enlarged side view of the area around the cargo machinery room crane 9a. Figure 3 shows an enlarged side view of the area around the hose handling crane 9c. The liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is equipped with at least one drive unit 13 for driving the cranes 9. In this embodiment, all five cranes 9 are equipped with at least one drive unit 13 for each crane. The drive unit 13 drives the portion 11a of the crane body 11 closest to the boom 12, causing the portion 11a to pivot relative to the hull 2. The drive unit 13 also drives the boom 12, causing the boom 12 to rise and fall relative to the crane body 11. The drive unit 13 also rotates the winding section of the crane 9, allowing the winch to wind up the rope. In this embodiment, the drive unit 13 includes multiple hydraulic motors for pivoting, boom elevation, and winch winding. In this embodiment, the crane 9 is driven by the supply of hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump, in which multiple hydraulic motors are driven by a common electric motor 14. In this embodiment, the electric motor 14 is directly attached to the crane 9. The drive unit 13 may include multiple electric motors for slewing, boom elevation, and winch winding, and slewing, boom elevation, and winch winding may be performed by driving each of these electric motors.

[0021] Liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is equipped with a hazardous area R3 and a non-hazardous area R4. Hazardous area R3 is a predetermined area where there is a risk of ignition if electricity is used in the area, due to the possibility of leakage or accumulation of liquefied gas when liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is carrying liquefied gas. Hazardous area R3 is defined in the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai's "Steel Ship Rules, Part H, Chapter 4". Examples of hazardous area R3 include the inside of cargo tanks and cargo pipes, as well as cargo pump rooms, shore connections of cargo pipes, flanges connecting cargo pipes, and valves in cargo pipes. Non-hazardous area R4 refers to the parts of liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 other than hazardous area R3.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, a ventilation pipe 15 is positioned on the upper surface of the cargo machinery room 8. The ventilation pipe 15 has a fan, and by driving the fan of the ventilation pipe 15 to rotate, air is generated around the ventilation pipe 15 for ventilation, so that even if liquefied hydrogen gas leaks inside the cargo machinery room 8, the vaporized liquefied hydrogen gas can be released into the atmosphere. In this embodiment, because the ventilation pipe 15 is positioned on the upper surface of the cargo machinery room 8, the ventilation pipe 15 becomes a hydrogen gas vapor opening. Therefore, the area around the ventilation pipe 15 becomes a hazardous area R3. In this embodiment, the area within 3m of the exhaust port of the ventilation pipe 15 becomes a hazardous area R3.

[0023] In this embodiment, the cargo machinery room crane 9a is positioned on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 such that the electric motor 14 is located in the non-hazardous area R4. In other words, the electric motor 14 for driving the cargo machinery room crane 9a is positioned in an area outside the hazardous area R3 surrounding the ventilation pipe 15. Specifically, the electric motor 14 is positioned at a distance greater than 3m from the exhaust port of the ventilation pipe 15.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, a manifold 10 is positioned between tank 3b and tank 3c, having an opening 10a that serves as either an inlet or outlet for liquefied hydrogen. In this embodiment, because the manifold 10 is positioned between tank 3b and tank 3c, the opening 10a of the manifold 10 can become the opening of the cargo tank 3. Therefore, the area around the manifold 10 becomes a hazardous area R3. In this embodiment, the area within 3m of the opening 10a of the manifold 10 becomes the hazardous area R3.

[0025] In this embodiment, the hose handling crane 9c is positioned on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 such that the electric motor 14 is located in the non-hazardous area R4. In other words, the electric motor 14 for driving the hose handling crane 9c is positioned in an area outside the hazardous area R3 surrounding the opening 10a of the manifold 10. Specifically, the electric motor 14 is positioned at a distance greater than 3m from the opening 10a of the manifold 10.

[0026] When the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above, at least a portion of the movable range R5 of the crane 9 overlaps with the cargo area R1. Figure 4 shows a plan view of the crane 9 to illustrate the movable range R5 of the crane 9. The movable range R5 of the crane 9 when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above is the circular range around the pivot axis in which the boom 12 can move when the boom-side portion 11a of the crane body 11 rotates relative to the hull 2. Therefore, the movable range R5 of the crane 9 is defined as the range in which the tip of the boom 12 can move when the boom 12 is extended to its maximum horizontal length and the tip of the boom 12 is positioned furthest from the crane body 11, and the boom-side portion 11a of the crane body 11 is rotated relative to the hull 2, when the crane 9 is viewed from above.

[0027] Furthermore, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above, the cargo machinery room 8 is located between the front end 4a and the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4 where the tanks 3 are housed. In this embodiment in particular, the cargo machinery room 8 is positioned on the deck 5 so as to straddle the longitudinal boundary between the tank 3d, which is located at the rear end of the four tanks 3 in the longitudinal direction, and the second tank from the rear, 3c. In this case, the cargo area R1 is the range from the front end 4a to the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4. Therefore, the movable range R5 of the cargo machinery room crane 9a and the cargo area R1 overlap.

[0028] Furthermore, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above, the engine parts crane 9b is positioned so that its boom 12 extends forward, and the range of motion R5 of the engine parts crane 9b overlaps with the cargo area R1. Also, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 is viewed from above, the hose handling crane 9c is positioned inside the area where the tanks 3 are lined up, and therefore the range of motion R5 of the hose handling crane 9c overlaps with the cargo area R1.

[0029] Of the three cranes 9 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1, the engine parts crane 9b, located above the engine room 7, does not have any configurations around it that would serve as a passage for hydrogen gas or an opening for a tank. Therefore, the engine parts crane 9b is located in the non-hazardous area R4. Consequently, the electric motor 14 for driving the engine parts crane 9b is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3. In this embodiment, as a result, in all three cranes 9 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1, the electric motor 14 for driving the crane 9 is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3, that is, the electric motor 14 is located in the non-hazardous area R4.

[0030] With the above configuration, since the electric motor 14 is excluded from the hazardous area R3, the electric motor 14 can be made non-explosion-proof. Since there is no need to make the electric motor 14 explosion-proof, the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 can be kept low.

[0031] As an explosion-proof electric motor, for example, an electric motor with a structure that allows the container to withstand the explosion pressure even if an explosion occurs inside the electric motor is enclosed in a container. Alternatively, for example, an electric motor may be used in which operation is restricted to prevent the electric motor from becoming an ignition source, so as not to generate electrical sparks or high temperatures during normal operation, and the connections between conductors are designed to be less likely to generate sparks. If such an explosion-proof electric motor is used in the drive unit 13 of the crane 9 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1, it will be more expensive than a non-explosion-proof electric motor, which may increase the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1. In contrast, in this embodiment, the electric motor 14 can be made non-explosion-proof, so there is no need to use an expensive electric motor in the crane 9. Therefore, by using an inexpensive electric motor 14, the cost of the crane 9 can be kept low. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1.

[0032] Furthermore, in the above configuration, since the cranes 9 are a cargo machinery room crane 9a, an engine parts crane 9b, and a hose handling crane 9c, non-explosion-proof electric motors 14 can be applied to the cargo machinery room crane 9a, the engine parts crane 9b, and the hose handling crane 9c. Therefore, the manufacturing costs of the cargo machinery room crane 9a, the engine parts crane 9b, and the hose handling crane 9c can be kept low.

[0033] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the electric motor 14 is attached to the crane 9, and the electric motor 14 attached to the crane 9 is excluded from the hazardous area R3, so the electric motor 14 attached to the crane 9 can be made non-explosion-proof. Therefore, the configuration of the crane 9 can be simplified.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the drive units 13 for all five cranes 9 installed on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 were described in a configuration where the drive units 13 for all cranes 9 are located in the non-hazardous area R4, but the configuration is not limited to the above. It is also possible that the drive units 13 for only some of the cranes 9 installed on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 are located in the non-hazardous area R4. In that case, the drive units located in the hazardous area R3 may be explosion-proof. If the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 can be reduced by making the drive units 14 of some of the cranes 9 installed on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 non-explosion-proof, then it is not necessary for the drive units 13 for all cranes 9 to be located in the non-hazardous area R4.

[0035] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which five cranes 9 are mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1, the embodiment is not limited to the above. The number of cranes 9 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 may be four or fewer, or it may be just one. Also, the number of cranes mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1 may be six or more.

[0036] (Second Embodiment) Next, a liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the parts that are configured the same as in the first embodiment will not be described, and only the different parts will be described. In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the living quarters 6 were located behind the area where the tanks 3 were lined up, and the cargo machinery room 8 was located inside the area where the tanks 3 were lined up. In the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a of the second embodiment, the living quarters 6 are located in front of the area where the tanks 3 were lined up, and the cargo machinery room 8 is located behind the area where the tanks 3 were lined up, which is different from the first embodiment. In addition, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a of the second embodiment is configured so that the engine parts crane 16a can also be operated by remote control of a remote controller, which is also different from the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 shows a side view of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the cargo machinery room 8 is located outside the area where the tanks 3 are lined up, and in particular, the cargo machinery room 8 is located behind the area where the tanks 3 are lined up. The cargo machinery room 8 houses a cargo compressor for compressing boil-off gas and gas obtained by vaporizing liquefied gas, and is considered part of the cargo area R1. In other words, when the liquefied hydrogen gas carrier 1a is viewed from above, if at least a part of the cargo machinery room 8 is located behind the cargo hold 4 where the tanks 3 are housed, the cargo area R1 is the range from the front end 4a of the cargo hold 4 to the rear end 8a of the cargo machinery room 8. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the cargo area R1 is the range from the front end 4a of the cargo hold 4 to the rear end 8a of the cargo machinery room 8.

[0038] In the second embodiment, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a is equipped with three types of cranes 16, which include an engine parts crane 16a, a hose handling crane 16b, and a provisioning crane 16c. An engine room 7 is located behind the cargo machinery room 8. The engine parts crane 16a is located above the engine room 7 and, as described above, is used to load or unload items around the engine, such as lubricating oil and replacement parts for the engine and auxiliary equipment, into or out of the engine room 7. In this embodiment, the engine parts crane 16a also functions as a cargo machinery room crane. When the engine parts crane 16a is used as a cargo machinery room crane, it is used to load and unload items into and out of the cargo machinery room 8. Therefore, in this embodiment, the engine parts crane 16a is positioned so that its boom 12 can reach both the engine room 7 and the cargo machinery room 8. The hose handling crane 16b is positioned around the manifold 10, which is used for loading liquefied hydrogen as cargo into the tank 3 or unloading liquefied hydrogen as cargo from the tank 3. The engine parts crane 16a, the hose handling crane 16b, and the manifold 10 are provided on both the port and starboard sides. Therefore, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a is equipped with five cranes 16. The provision crane 16c is provided adjacent to the living quarters 6 and is mainly used for loading cargo into the living quarters 6. Although the configuration in which the engine parts crane 16a, the hose handling crane 16b, and the manifold 10 are provided on both the port and starboard sides has been described, if the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a is docking in only one direction, the engine parts crane 16a, the hose handling crane 16b, and the manifold 10 may be provided on only one side, either the port or the starboard side.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an enlarged side view of the area around the engine parts crane 16a. As shown in Figure 6, in the second embodiment, a ventilation pipe 15 is provided on the upper surface of the cargo machinery room 8. As described above, the ventilation pipe 15 becomes the opening for hydrogen gas vapor, so the area around the ventilation pipe 15 becomes the hazardous area R3. In this embodiment, since the cargo is liquefied hydrogen, the area within 3m of the exhaust port of the ventilation pipe 15 becomes the hazardous area R3.

[0040] In the second embodiment, the engine parts crane 16a is positioned on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a such that the electric motor 14 of the drive unit 13 is located in the non-hazardous area R4. In other words, the electric motor 14 of the engine parts crane 16a is positioned in an area outside the hazardous area R3 surrounding the ventilation shaft 15.

[0041] In the engine parts crane 16a, the electric motor 14 is excluded from the hazardous area R3, so the electric motor 14 can be made non-explosion-proof. Since the electric motor 14 of the engine parts crane 16a does not need to be explosion-proof, the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a can be kept low.

[0042] In the hose handling crane 16b, similar to the first embodiment, the electric motor 14 is positioned to avoid the hazardous area R3 created by the manifold 10 being located between the tanks 3. Therefore, the electric motor 14 in the hose handling crane 16b can be made non-explosion-proof. Since the electric motor 14 of the hose handling crane 16b does not need to be explosion-proof, the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a can be kept low.

[0043] For the provision crane 16c, there is no structure around it that allows the hydrogen gas of the cargo to pass through. Therefore, in the provision crane 16c, the electric motor 14 is arranged in the non-dangerous area R4, avoiding the dangerous area R3. Therefore, in the provision crane 16c, the electric motor 14 can be made non-explosion-proof. Since there is no need to make the electric motor 14 of the provision crane 16c explosion-proof, the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a can be reduced.

[0044] Also, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the engine parts crane 16a is configured to be able to be operated by the remote controller 17. That is, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a includes a remote controller 17 for remotely operating the engine parts crane 16a, and the engine parts crane 16a is configured to be remotely operated by the operation of the remote controller 17. The remote controller 17 has a transmission unit 17a that transmits an operation signal, and the engine parts crane 16a has a reception unit 18 that receives the operation signal. Regarding the remote controller 17, it is assumed that an operator P1 can operate it from any location inside the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is also assumed that the remote controller 17 is used inside the dangerous area R3.

[0045] In the present embodiment, explosion-proof measures are taken for the remote controller 17. Specifically, the outer surface of the remote controller 17 is covered by a container 19. Therefore, the transmission unit 17a of the remote controller 17 is covered by the container 19.

[0046] With the above configuration, since the transmitting unit 17a of the remote controller 17 is covered by the container 19, even if a spark is generated in the transmitting unit 17a when the remote controller 17 transmits an operation signal while the remote controller 17 is in the hazardous area R3, the spark is reliably isolated from the hydrogen gas. Therefore, even if a spark is generated in the remote controller 17, the spark will not ignite the hydrogen gas. Consequently, even if the remote controller 17 is used for remote operation of the engine parts crane 16a inside the hazardous area R3, the safety of the remote controller 17 is highly ensured. As a result, even if the remote controller 17 is operated inside the hazardous area R3 and an operation signal is transmitted from the remote controller 17 to the engine parts crane 16a, the safe state of the liquid hydrogen gas carrier 1a is maintained.

[0047] Furthermore, as described above, the cranes 16 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a may consist of an engine parts crane 16a, a hose handling crane 16b, and a provisioning crane 16c. The cranes 16 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a may also be in any other combination. Any combination of cranes 16 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a is acceptable, as long as the drive unit 13 for at least one crane is located in the non-hazardous area R4. Also, the order in which the cranes 16 are arranged in the front-to-back direction inside the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a may be in any order.

[0048] Also, in the above embodiment, a configuration in which the engine parts crane 16a can be remotely operated by the remote controller 17 has been described. However, the crane that is remotely operated by the remote controller 17 may be another type of crane. A configuration in which either the hose handling crane 16b or the provision crane 16c is remotely operated by the remote controller 17 may also be adopted. Further, in the configuration of the first embodiment or the configuration of the liquefied hydrogen carrier of other embodiments, a configuration in which any crane is operated by a remote controller may also be adopted. Also, a configuration in which two or all three of the three types of cranes 16 are remotely operated by the remote controller 17 may be adopted. Further, the number of cranes mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a does not have to be five. Also, in the cranes mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1a, any crane may be configured to be remotely operated by the remote controller 17.

[0049] Also, in the above embodiment, a form in which the remote operation of the engine parts crane 16a is performed by the wireless remote controller 17 in which an operation signal is transmitted from the remote controller 17 and received by the engine parts crane 16a has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and a form in which the engine parts crane 16a is operated by a wired remote controller may also be adopted. Also, a form in which other types of cranes are operated by a wired remote controller may also be adopted.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an explosion-proof measure for the remote controller 17 was described in which the outer surface of the remote controller 17 is covered with a container 19. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above embodiment. Explosion-proof measures for the remote controller may take other forms. For example, explosion-proof measures for the remote controller may be implemented by configuring it so that sparks are not generated even when the remote controller is operated. In that case, for example, explosion-proof measures for the remote controller may be implemented by setting the voltage when transmitting the operation signal to be sufficiently low so that sparks are not generated even when the remote controller is operated.

[0051] (Third Embodiment) Next, a liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b according to the third embodiment will be described. Note that the parts that are configured the same as in the first or second embodiment will not be described, and only the different parts will be described. In the first and second embodiments, a configuration was described in which the electric motor 14 for driving the cranes 9 and 16 is directly attached to the cranes 9 and 16. In the third embodiment, the hydraulic motor 21 for driving the crane 20 is attached to the crane 20, and the electric motor 24 for driving the hydraulic pump 23 that supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor 21 is located away from the crane 20, which is different from the first and second embodiments.

[0052] Figure 7 shows a side view of a liquefied hydrogen carrier according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the cargo machinery room 8 is located behind the area where the tanks are lined up in the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the cargo area R1 is the range from the front end 4a of the cargo hold 4 to the rear end 8a of the cargo machinery room 8.

[0053] In the third embodiment of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b, three types of cranes 20 are provided. The cranes 20 include a cargo machinery room crane 20a, a hose handling crane 20b, and a provision crane 20c. The cargo machinery room crane 20a is located on the upper surface of the cargo machinery room 8. The engine room 7 is located behind the cargo machinery room 8. When viewed from above, the cargo machinery room crane 20a's movable range R5 of the boom 12 includes a portion of the engine room 7. Therefore, the cargo machinery room crane 20a also functions as an engine parts crane. The hose handling crane 20b and the provision crane 20c have the same configuration as in the second embodiment. The hose handling crane 20b and the manifold 10 are provided on both the port and starboard sides. Therefore, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b is equipped with four cranes 20. Although the configuration described includes the hose handling crane 20b and manifold 10 being provided on both the port and starboard sides, if the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b is docking in only one direction, the hose handling crane 20b and manifold 10 may be provided on only one side, either the port or starboard side.

[0054] In the third embodiment, the cargo machinery room crane 20a and the hose handling crane 20b are located inside the cargo area R1. Also, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b is viewed from above, a portion of the movable range R5 of the provision crane 20c overlaps with the cargo area R1. Figure 8 shows an enlarged side view of the area around the hose handling crane 20b.

[0055] The hose handling crane 20b does not have electric motors attached to the crane body 11 or boom 12 for directly driving the hose handling crane 20b. The hose handling crane 20b has multiple hydraulic motors 21 for slewing, boom elevation, and winch winding. In this embodiment, the hydraulic motors 21 are housed inside the crane body 11 of the hose handling crane 20b. By driving the hydraulic motors 21, the boom-side portion 11a of the crane body 11 is rotated relative to the hull 2 ​​of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b, and the hose handling crane 20b is rotated relative to the hull 2. Also, by driving the hydraulic motors 21, the boom 12 is driven, and the boom 12 is elevated relative to the crane body 11. In addition, by driving the hydraulic motors 21, the winding section of the hose handling crane 20b is rotated, and the rope is wound up by the winch. In other words, the hydraulic motor 21 functions as the drive unit 13 of the hose handling crane 20b. A pipe 22 for circulating hydraulic fluid is connected to the hydraulic motor 21. The hydraulic motor 21 is connected to the hydraulic pump 23 via the pipe 22. When the hydraulic pump 23 is driven, pressurized hydraulic fluid is supplied to the hydraulic motor 21, and the hydraulic motor 21 is rotated in response to the supply of hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pump 23 has an electric motor 24. When the electric motor 24 is driven, the hydraulic pump 23 is driven, and hydraulic fluid is supplied to the hydraulic motor 21. The boom elevation of the hose handling crane 20b may also be performed by a hydraulic cylinder.

[0056] The hydraulic pump 23 is located away from the hose handling crane 20b. In this embodiment, the hydraulic pump 23 of the hose handling crane 20b is located in front of the cargo area R1. Therefore, the electric motor 24 for driving the hydraulic pump 23 is also located away from the hose handling crane 20b and in front of the cargo area R1. In other words, the hydraulic pump 23 is located outside the cargo area R1, and consequently the electric motor 24 is also located outside the cargo area R1. Since the electric motor 24 is located outside the cargo area R1, it is naturally located in the non-hazardous area R4. That is, the electric motor 24 is not only located in the non-hazardous area R4, but is also located outside the cargo area R1 and in the non-cargo area R2. Therefore, the electric motor 24 can be driven outside the cargo area R1 to drive the hydraulic pump 23. This allows the hose handling crane 20b to be rotated in a safer environment.

[0057] The liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b is equipped with an operating area 25 in which operator P2 operates the hose handling crane 20b. The operating area 25 is partitioned off as part of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b. Therefore, the operating area 25 does not move relative to the hull 2 ​​of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b, but is fixedly installed on the hull 2. An operating lever 26 is attached to the operating area 25. When operating the hose handling crane 20b, operator P2 operates the operating lever 26 inside the operating area 25. In this embodiment, the operating area 25 is positioned so that operator P2 can see the tip of the boom 12 while operating the operating lever 26 in the operating area 25, making it easier for operator P2 to operate the hose handling crane 20b.

[0058] Figure 9 shows an enlarged side view of the area around the cargo machinery room crane 20a. Similar to the hose handling crane 20b, the cargo machinery room crane 20a does not have electric motors attached to the crane body 11 and boom 12 for driving the cargo machinery room crane 20a. The cargo machinery room crane 20a includes multiple hydraulic motors 21 for slewing, boom elevation, and winch winding. In other words, the hydraulic motors 21 function as the drive device 13 for the cargo machinery room crane 20a. The hydraulic motors 21 are housed inside the crane body 11 of the cargo machinery room crane 20a. By driving the hydraulic motors 21, the boom-side portion 11a of the crane body 11 is slewing relative to the hull 2 ​​of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b, and the cargo machinery room crane 20a is slewing relative to the hull 2. Furthermore, the boom 12 is driven by the hydraulic motor 21, causing the boom 12 to move up and down relative to the crane body 11. Also, the winding section of the crane 9 is rotated by the hydraulic motor 21, allowing the winch to wind up the rope. A pipe 22 for circulating hydraulic fluid is connected to the hydraulic motor 21. The hydraulic motor 21 is connected to the hydraulic pump 23 via the pipe 22. When the hydraulic pump 23 is driven, pressurized hydraulic fluid is supplied to the hydraulic motor 21. The hydraulic pump 23 has an electric motor 24. When the electric motor 24 is driven, the hydraulic pump 23 is driven, and hydraulic fluid is supplied to the hydraulic motor 21.

[0059] The hydraulic pump 23 is located away from the cargo machinery room crane 20a. Therefore, the electric motor 24 for driving the hydraulic pump 23 is also located away from the cargo machinery room crane 20a. In this embodiment, the hydraulic pump 23 is located outside the cargo area R1, and consequently, the electric motor 24 is also located outside the cargo area R1. Since the electric motor 24 is located outside the cargo area R1, it is naturally located in the non-hazardous area R4. In other words, the electric motor 24 of the hydraulic pump 23 is located in the non-hazardous area R4 and in the non-cargo area R2, which is outside the cargo area R1. Since the electric motor 24 is located outside the cargo area R1, the electric motor 24 can be driven outside the cargo area R1 to drive the hydraulic pump 23. Therefore, the cargo machinery room crane 20a can be rotated in a safer environment.

[0060] The liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b is equipped with an operating area 25 for operator P2 to operate the cargo machinery room crane 20a. The operating area 25 for the cargo machinery room crane 20a is partitioned off as part of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b, similar to the operating area 25 for the hose handling crane 20b. Therefore, the operating area 25 does not move relative to the hull 2 ​​of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b, but is fixedly installed on the hull 2. An operating lever 26 is attached to the operating area 25. When operating the cargo machinery room crane 20a, operator P2 operates the operating lever 26. In this embodiment, the operating area 25 is positioned so that operator P2 can easily operate the crane, with the tip of the boom 12 visible.

[0061] The liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b is equipped with multiple operating areas 25 for operating the cargo machinery room crane 20a. In this embodiment, the operating areas 25 include operating area 25a located on the upper surface of the engine room 7, operating area 25b located on the upper surface of the cargo machinery room 8, and operating area 25c located on the deck 5 adjacent to the engine room 7. Since there are multiple operating areas 25 for operating the cargo machinery room crane 20a on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b, the worker P2 can select an operating area suitable for the operation from the multiple operating areas 25 and operate the cargo machinery room crane 20a in the selected operating area. In particular, in this embodiment, the cargo machinery room crane 20a also functions as an engine parts crane. Depending on the use of the cargo machinery room crane 20a and the location where the work is performed, the location of the operating area 25 suitable for viewing the tip of the boom 12 may change. Therefore, operator P2 can select the most suitable operating area from among the multiple operating areas 25 according to the use and purpose of the cargo machinery room crane 20a, and operate the cargo machinery room crane 20a from the selected operating area.

[0062] An operating line 27 is arranged from each of the multiple operating areas 25 toward the crane body 11. The operating line 27 can transmit operating signals to the crane body 11 of the cargo machinery room crane 20a by hydraulics. When operating the cargo machinery room crane 20a, operator P2 operates the operating lever 26 inside the operating area 25. By operating the operating lever 26, operator P2 can switch between the connected state and the disconnected state of the hydraulic motor 21 via the pipe 22 from the hydraulic pump 23 by transmitting a hydraulic signal toward the crane body 11. Therefore, with pressurized oil from the hydraulic pump 23 supplied toward the hydraulic motor 21, operator P2 can switch the starting and stopping of the hydraulic motor 21 by operating the operating lever 26.

[0063] According to the above configuration, the hydraulic pump 23, which serves as the drive device 13 for the crane 20, is located outside the cargo area R1, and the electric motor 24 for the crane 20 is also located outside the cargo area R1. This allows the electric motor 24 to be driven outside the cargo area R1 to drive the hydraulic pump 23. Therefore, the crane 20 can be rotated in a safer environment. In the first and second embodiments, the safety of the liquefied hydrogen carriers 1 and 1a is improved by placing the electric motor 14 in the non-hazardous area R4. In addition, in the third embodiment, the electric motor 24 for driving the hydraulic pump 23 is not only placed in the non-hazardous area R4, but also outside the cargo area R1. Therefore, the crane 20 is rotated in a safer environment.

[0064] Furthermore, since multiple operating areas 25 are arranged on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b, the operator P2 can operate the crane 20 from a position with sufficient visibility, depending on where the work by the crane 20 is performed. This makes it possible to provide a liquefied hydrogen carrier 1b that is easy for the operator P2 to use.

[0065] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which one operating area 25 is provided in the hose handling crane 20b and three operating areas 25 are provided in the cargo machinery room crane 20a, but the embodiment is not limited to the above. The number of operating areas 25 may be any other number. Depending on the purpose of each crane 20 and the location where the work is performed, a number of operating areas 25 suitable for the crane 20 should be provided.

[0066] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the hydraulic motor 21 is connected to the hydraulic pump 23 via a pipe 22, and the hydraulic pump 23 is driven to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor 21, thereby driving the crane 20, the embodiment is not limited to the above. Alternatively, a hydraulic cylinder may be connected to the hydraulic pump via a pipe, and the hydraulic pump is driven to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder, thereby driving the crane 20. In this case, the hydraulic pump may be located outside the cargo area, and consequently, the electric motor may also be located outside the cargo area.

[0067] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Note that the parts that are configured the same as in the first to third embodiments will not be described, and only the different parts will be described. In the first embodiment, the cargo machinery room 8 was described as being located only between the front end 4a and the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4 containing the tanks 3 in the longitudinal direction of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1. In the second and third embodiments, the cargo machinery room 8 was described as being located only aft of the cargo hold 4 containing the tanks 3 in the longitudinal direction of the liquefied hydrogen carriers 1a and 1b. In the fourth embodiment, two cargo machinery rooms 8 are provided on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c, and the cargo machinery rooms 8 are provided in the longitudinal direction of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c at a position between the front end 4a and the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4 containing the tanks 3, and at a position where a portion of it protrudes rearward from the cargo hold 4 containing the tanks 3. This differs from the first to third embodiments.

[0068] Figure 10 shows a side view of a liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, two cargo machinery rooms 8 are provided in the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c. The front cargo machinery room 8a is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c to straddle the boundary between the rearmost tank 3d and the second-to-last tank 3c among the tanks 3 installed on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c. The rear cargo machinery room 8b is positioned such that a portion of the rear of the cargo machinery room 8b protrudes rearward from the cargo hold 4 that houses the rearmost tank 3d among the tanks 3 installed on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c.

[0069] In the fourth embodiment, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c is equipped with three types of cranes 28, which include an engine parts crane 28a, a cargo machinery room crane 28b, and a hose handling crane 28c. The engine parts crane 28a is attached to the living quarters 6. The cargo machinery room crane 28b is attached to the upper surface of the cargo machinery room 8a, which is the forward of the two cargo machinery rooms 8. The hose handling crane 28c is positioned around the manifold 10 used for loading cargo into or out of the tank 3. The engine parts crane 28a, the hose handling crane 28c, and the manifold 10 are provided on both the port and starboard sides. Therefore, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c is equipped with five cranes 28. Although the configuration described includes the engine parts crane 28a, hose handling crane 28c, and manifold 10 being provided on both the port and starboard sides, if the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c is docking in only one direction, the engine parts crane 28a, hose handling crane 28c, and manifold 10 may be provided on only one side, either the port or starboard side.

[0070] In the fourth embodiment, a portion of the cargo machinery room 8b located at the rear is positioned behind the cargo hold 4. As previously described in the second embodiment, the cargo area R1 is the range from the front end 4a of the cargo hold 4 to the rear end 29 of the cargo machinery room 8b. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the cargo area R1 is the range from the front end 4a of the cargo hold 4 to the rear end 29 of the cargo machinery room 8b. When the boom 12 of the engine parts crane 28a is extended forward, a portion of the movable range R5 of the engine parts crane 28a overlaps with the cargo area R1. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, for all three types of cranes 28, a portion of the movable range R5 of the crane 28 overlaps with the cargo area R1.

[0071] In the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the cargo machinery room crane 28b and the hose handling crane 28c is the same as that of the cargo machinery room crane 9a and the hose handling crane 9c in the first embodiment. The engine parts crane 28a is positioned so that it can reach the engine room 7, the living quarters 6, and the rear cargo machinery room 8b by moving the boom 12. Therefore, the engine parts crane 28a also functions as a cargo machinery room crane and a provisioning crane.

[0072] There are no structures around the engine parts crane 28a that would serve as a passage for hydrogen gas or an opening for a tank. Therefore, the engine parts crane 28a is located in the non-hazardous area R4. Consequently, the electric motor 30 for driving the engine parts crane 28a is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3. For the cargo machinery room crane 28b and the hose handling crane 28c, similar to the cargo machinery room crane 9a and the hose handling crane 9c in the first embodiment, the electric motor 30 is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3. Therefore, in this embodiment, as a result, for all three cranes 28 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c, the electric motor 30 for driving the crane 28 is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3 and is located in the non-hazardous area R4.

[0073] Since the electric motors 30 in all three cranes 28 are excluded from the hazardous area R3, the electric motors 30 can be made non-explosion-proof. Because the electric motors 30 do not need to be explosion-proof, the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1c can be kept low.

[0074] (Fifth Embodiment) Next, a liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Note that the description of parts that are configured the same as in the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted, and only the different parts will be described. In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the cargo machinery room 8 is located only between the front end 4a and the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4 containing the tank 3 in the longitudinal direction of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1. In the second to fourth embodiments, a configuration was described in which at least a part of the cargo machinery room 8 is located aft of the cargo hold 4 containing the tank 3. In the fifth embodiment, a part of the cargo machinery room 8 is provided at a position that protrudes forward of the front end 4a of the cargo hold 4 containing the tank 3 in the longitudinal direction of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d, which is different from the first to fourth embodiments.

[0075] Figure 11 shows a side view of a liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, two cargo machinery rooms 8 are provided on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d. The rear cargo machinery room 8c is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d to straddle the boundary between the rearmost tank 3d and the second-to-rearest tank 3c among the tanks 3 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d. The front cargo machinery room 8d is positioned such that a portion of its front section protrudes forward from the cargo hold 4 that houses the frontmost tank 3a among the tanks 3 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d. In other words, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d is viewed from above, at least a portion of the front cargo machinery room 8d is positioned in front of the front end 4a of the cargo hold 4.

[0076] In the fifth embodiment, the liquefied hydrogen gas carrier 1d is equipped with three types of cranes 31, which include an engine parts crane 31a, a cargo machinery room crane 31b, and a hose handling crane 31c. The engine parts crane 31a is attached to the living quarters 6. The cargo machinery room crane 31b is attached to the upper surface of the cargo machinery room 8c, which is the rear of the two cargo machinery rooms 8 in the longitudinal direction. The hose handling crane 31c is positioned around the manifold 10 used for loading cargo into or out of the tank 3. The engine parts crane 31a, the hose handling crane 31c, and the manifold 10 are provided on both the port and starboard sides. Therefore, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d is equipped with five cranes 31. Although the configuration in which the hose handling crane 31c and manifold 10 are provided on both the port and starboard sides has been described, if the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d is docking in only one direction, the engine parts crane 31a, hose handling crane 31c, and manifold 10 may be provided on only one of the port or starboard sides.

[0077] In the fifth embodiment, a portion of the front of the front cargo machinery room 8d is positioned in front of the front end 4a of the cargo hold 4. In this case, the cargo area R1 is the range from the front end 35 of the front cargo machinery room 8d of the two cargo machinery rooms 8 to the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4. When the boom 12 of the engine parts crane 31a is extended forward, the tip of the boom 12 can be positioned in front of the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4, and when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d is viewed from above, a portion of the movable range R5 of the engine parts crane 31a overlaps with the cargo area R1. The cargo machinery room crane 31b and the hose handling crane 31c are positioned in the area where the tanks 3 are lined up, and when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d is viewed from above, the cargo machinery room crane 31b and the hose handling crane 31c naturally overlap with the cargo area R1. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, for all three types of cranes 31, a portion of the movable range R5 of the crane 31 overlaps with the cargo area R1. The configuration of the cargo machinery room crane 31b and the hose handling crane 31c in the fifth embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0078] In the fifth embodiment, as with the engine parts crane 28a in the fourth embodiment, there are no configurations around the engine parts crane 31a that would serve as a passage for hydrogen gas or an opening for a tank. Therefore, the engine parts crane 31a is located in the non-hazardous area R4. Consequently, the electric motor 14 for driving the engine parts crane 31a is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3. For the cargo machinery room crane 31b and the hose handling crane 31c, as with the cargo machinery room crane 9a and the hose handling crane 9c in the first embodiment, the electric motor 14 is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3. In this embodiment, as a result, in all three types of cranes 31 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d, the electric motor 14 for driving the crane 31 is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3 and is located in the non-hazardous area R4.

[0079] In all three types of cranes 31, the electric motor 14 is excluded from the hazardous area R3, so the electric motor 14 can be made non-explosion-proof. Since the electric motor 14 does not need to be explosion-proof, the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1d can be kept low.

[0080] (Sixth Embodiment) Next, a liquefied hydrogen carrier according to the sixth embodiment will be described. Note that the description of parts configured in the same way as in the first to fifth embodiments will be omitted, and only the different parts will be described. In the first embodiment, the cargo machinery room 8 was described as being located only between the front end 4a and the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4 containing the tank 3 in the longitudinal direction of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1. In the second and third embodiments, the cargo machinery room 8 was described as being located only aft of the cargo hold 4 containing the tank 3. In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which a part of the rear cargo machinery room 8b is located aft of the cargo hold 4 containing the tank 3 was described. In the fifth embodiment, the configuration in which the front cargo machinery room 8d is located such that a part of the front cargo machinery room 8d protrudes forward of the cargo hold 4 containing the tank 3 was described. In contrast, the sixth embodiment differs from the first to fifth embodiments in that three cargo machinery rooms are provided on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e, and one of the three cargo machinery rooms 8 is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e between the front end 4a and the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4 where the tank 3 is housed, one is positioned to protrude rearward from the cargo hold 4, and one is positioned to protrude forward from the cargo hold 4.

[0081] Figure 12 shows a side view of a liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, three cargo machinery rooms 8 are provided on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e. The three cargo machinery rooms 8 include a rear cargo machinery room 8e located at the rear in the longitudinal direction, a cargo machinery room 8f located at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction, and a front cargo machinery room 8g located at the front in the longitudinal direction. Of the three cargo machinery rooms 8, the rear cargo machinery room 8e is positioned so that a portion of its rear side protrudes rearward from the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4 that houses the tanks 3 installed on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e. Of the three cargo machinery rooms 8, the cargo machinery room 8f located at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction is positioned to straddle the boundary between the rearmost tank 3d and the second-to-rearest tank 3c among the tanks 3 installed on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e in the longitudinal direction. Of the three cargo machinery rooms 8, the forward cargo machinery room 8g is positioned so that a portion of its forward side protrudes forward from the front end 4a of the cargo hold 4 that houses the tanks 3 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e. In other words, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e is viewed from above, the cargo machinery room 8g includes a forward cargo machinery room 8g, which at least a portion of which is in front of the cargo hold 4 containing the tanks 3; an intermediate cargo machinery room 8f, which entirely overlaps the cargo hold 4 containing the tanks 3; and a rear cargo machinery room 8e, which at least a portion of which is behind the cargo hold 4.

[0082] In the sixth embodiment, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e is equipped with three types of cranes 32, the three cranes 32 include an engine parts crane 32a, a cargo machinery room crane 32b, and a hose handling crane 32c. The engine parts crane 32a is attached to the living quarters 6. The cargo machinery room crane 32b is attached to the upper surface of the intermediate cargo machinery room 8f. The hose handling crane 32c is positioned around the manifold 10 used for loading cargo into or out of the tank 3. The engine parts crane 32a, the hose handling crane 32c, and the manifold 10 are provided on both the port and starboard sides. Therefore, the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e is equipped with five cranes 32. Although the configuration described includes the engine parts crane 32a, hose handling crane 32c, and manifold 10 being provided on both the port and starboard sides, if the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e is docking in only one direction, the engine parts crane 32a, hose handling crane 32c, and manifold 10 may be provided on only one side, either the port or starboard side.

[0083] In the sixth embodiment, a portion of the front of the forward cargo machinery room 8g is positioned in front of the front end 4a of the cargo hold 4, and a portion of the rear of the rear cargo machinery room 8e is positioned behind the rear end 4b of the cargo hold 4. In this case, the cargo area R1 is the range from the front end 33 of the forward cargo machinery room 8g to the rear end 34 of the rear cargo machinery room 8e.

[0084] When the boom 12 of the engine parts crane 32a is extended forward, the tip of the boom 12 can be positioned in front of the rear end 34 of the rear cargo machinery room 8e, and when the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e is viewed from above, a portion of the movable range R5 of the engine parts crane 32a overlaps with the cargo area R1. The configuration of the cargo machinery room crane 32b and the hose handling crane 32c in the sixth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the cargo machinery room crane 9a and the hose handling crane 9c in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, for all three cranes 32, a portion of the movable range R5 of the crane 32 overlaps with the cargo area R1.

[0085] In the sixth embodiment as well, there are no configurations around the engine parts crane 32a that would serve as a passage for hydrogen gas or an opening for a tank. Therefore, the engine parts crane 32a is located in the non-hazardous area R4. Consequently, the electric motor 14 for driving the engine parts crane 32a is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3. For the cargo machinery room crane 32b and the hose handling crane 32c, similar to the cargo machinery room crane 9a and the hose handling crane 9c in the first embodiment, the electric motor 14 is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3. In this embodiment, as a result, in all three cranes 32 mounted on the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e, the electric motor 14 for driving the crane 32 is located in an area outside the hazardous area R3 and is located in the non-hazardous area R4.

[0086] Since the electric motors 14 in all three cranes 32 are excluded from the hazardous area R3, the electric motors 14 can be made non-explosion-proof. Because the electric motors 14 do not need to be explosion-proof, the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier 1e can be kept low.

[0087] As described above, the embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the embodiments to create new embodiments. For example, some components or methods in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and some components in an embodiment can be separated from other components in that embodiment and extracted as appropriate. In addition, the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description include not only components that are essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, in order to illustrate the technology.

[0088] Each of the following items is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0089] [Item 1] A liquefied hydrogen carrier for transporting liquefied hydrogen contained in tanks, wherein, when viewed from above, the liquefied hydrogen carrier comprises a cargo area including a section on which the tanks are mounted, a non-cargo area other than the cargo area, a predetermined hazardous area, a non-hazardous area other than the hazardous area, a crane having a crane body that can rotate relative to the liquefied hydrogen carrier and a boom that can be raised and lowered relative to the crane body, and a drive device including at least one electric motor that directly or indirectly drives the crane, wherein, in a plan view, at least a portion of the range of motion of the crane overlaps with the cargo area, and the electric motor is located in the non-hazardous area.

[0090] According to the above configuration, since the electric motor is excluded from the hazardous area, the electric motor can be made non-explosion-proof. Because there is no need to make the electric motor explosion-proof, the manufacturing cost of the liquefied hydrogen carrier can be kept low.

[0091] [Item 2] The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to Item 1, wherein the crane is a cargo machinery room crane whose slewing range overlaps with the cargo machinery room when the liquefied hydrogen carrier is viewed from above, or an engine parts crane whose slewing range overlaps with the engine room.

[0092] According to the above configuration, since the crane is a cargo machinery room crane or an engine parts crane, a non-explosion-proof electric motor can be applied to the cargo machinery room crane or engine parts crane.

[0093] [Item 3] The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to item 1 or 2, wherein, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier is viewed from above, at least a portion of the cargo machinery room is aft of the cargo hold containing the tanks, the cargo area extends from the front of the cargo hold to the rear of the cargo machinery room.

[0094] [Item 4] The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to item 1 or 2, wherein, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier is viewed from above, the cargo machinery room is located between the front and rear ends of the cargo hold containing the tanks, and the cargo area is the area from the front end to the rear end of the cargo hold.

[0095] [Item 5] The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to item 1 or 2, wherein, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier is viewed from above, at least a portion of the cargo machinery room is located forward of the cargo hold containing the tanks, the cargo area extends from the front end of the cargo machinery room to the rear end of the cargo hold.

[0096] [Item 6] The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the cargo machinery room includes, when viewed from above, a forward cargo machinery room which is at least a portion of which is forward of the cargo hold containing the tanks, and a rear cargo machinery room which is at least a portion of which is rearward of the cargo hold, and the cargo area extends from the front end of the forward cargo machinery room to the rear end of the rear cargo machinery room.

[0097] [Item 7] A liquefied hydrogen carrier according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein an operating device is attached to the crane, which is operated by an operator when the crane is being operated, and which comprises a plurality of operating areas partitioned off as part of the liquefied hydrogen carrier.

[0098] According to the above configuration, when the crane is a cargo machinery room crane or an engine parts crane, by arranging multiple operating areas, the operator can operate the crane from a position with sufficient visibility, depending on where the work is being performed. This makes it possible to provide a liquefied hydrogen carrier that is easy for the operator to use.

[0099] [Item 8] The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the crane is a hose handling crane whose slewing range overlaps, when viewed from above, with at least a portion of the slewing range overlapping with a manifold having an inlet for loading liquefied hydrogen into the liquefied hydrogen carrier and an outlet for loading liquefied hydrogen from the liquefied hydrogen carrier.

[0100] According to the above configuration, since the crane is a hose handling crane, a non-explosion-proof electric motor can be applied to the hose handling crane.

[0101] [Item 9] The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the drive unit is attached to the crane.

[0102] According to the above configuration, since the drive unit is attached to the crane, the crane's structure can be simplified.

[0103] [Item 10] The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the crane includes a hydraulic motor for rotating the crane, and the drive system is located outside the cargo area and includes a hydraulic pump that is driven by the electric motor and supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor.

[0104] According to the above configuration, since the drive unit is located outside the cargo area, the electric motor can be driven outside the cargo area to drive the hydraulic pump. Therefore, the crane can be rotated in a safer environment.

[0105] [Item 11] A liquefied hydrogen carrier according to any one of items 1 to 10, further comprising a remote controller for remotely operating the crane, wherein the remote controller is equipped with explosion-proof measures.

[0106] According to the above configuration, explosion-proof measures are taken for the remote controller used to remotely operate the crane, including wired and wireless connections. Therefore, even if the remote controller is used inside a hazardous area and signals for operation are transmitted from the remote controller, for example, the safe state of the liquid hydrogen gas carrier will be maintained.

[0107] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Liquefied hydrogen carrier 3 Tank 4 Cargo hold 6 Living quarters 7 Engine room 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8f Cargo machinery room 8g Forward cargo machinery room 8e Rear cargo machinery room 9 Crane 9a Cargo machinery room crane 9b Engine parts crane 9c Hose handling crane 10 Manifold 10a Opening 11 Crane body 12 Boom 13 Drive unit 14 Electric motor 16 Crane 16a Engine parts crane 16b Hose handling crane 16c Provision crane 17 Remote controller 20 Crane 20a Cargo machinery room crane 20b Hose handling crane 20c Provision crane 21 Hydraulic motor 23 Hydraulic pump 24 Electric motor 25 Operating Area 28 Crane 28a Engine Parts Crane 28b Cargo Machinery Room Crane 28c Hose Handling Crane 31 Crane 31a Engine Parts Crane 31b Cargo Machinery Room Crane 31c Hose Handling Crane 32 Crane 32a Engine Parts Crane 32b Cargo Machinery Room Crane 32c Hose Handling Crane R1 Cargo Area R2 Non-Cargo Area R3 Hazardous Area R4 Non-Hazardous Area R5 Range of Motion

Claims

1. A liquefied hydrogen carrier for transporting liquefied hydrogen contained in tanks, wherein, when viewed from above, the liquefied hydrogen carrier comprises a cargo area including a section on which the tanks are mounted, a non-cargo area other than the cargo area, a predetermined hazardous area, a non-hazardous area other than the hazardous area, a crane having a crane body that can rotate relative to the liquefied hydrogen carrier and a boom that can be raised and lowered relative to the crane body, and a drive system including at least one electric motor that directly or indirectly drives the crane, wherein, in a plan view, at least a portion of the range of motion of the crane overlaps with the cargo area, and the electric motor is located in the non-hazardous area.

2. The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to claim 1, wherein the crane is a cargo machinery room crane whose slewing range overlaps with the cargo machinery room when the liquefied hydrogen carrier is viewed from above, or an engine parts crane whose slewing range overlaps with the engine room.

3. The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to claim 2, wherein, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier is viewed from above, at least a portion of the cargo machinery room is aft of the cargo hold containing the tanks, the cargo area extends from the front end of the cargo hold to the rear end of the cargo machinery room.

4. The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to claim 2, wherein, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier is viewed from above, the cargo machinery room is located between the front and rear ends of the cargo hold containing the tanks, the cargo area is the range from the front end to the rear end of the cargo hold.

5. The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to claim 2, wherein, when the liquefied hydrogen carrier is viewed from above, at least a portion of the cargo machinery room is located forward of the cargo hold containing the tanks, the cargo area extends from the front end of the cargo machinery room to the rear end of the cargo hold.

6. The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to claim 2, wherein the cargo machinery room includes, when viewed from above, a forward cargo machinery room which is at least a portion of which is forward of the cargo hold containing the tanks, and a rear cargo machinery room which is at least a portion of which is rearward of the cargo hold, and the cargo area extends from the front end of the forward cargo machinery room to the rear end of the rear cargo machinery room.

7. The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to claim 2, wherein an operating device is attached to the crane, which is operated by an operator when the crane is being operated, and the carrier comprises a plurality of operating areas partitioned off as part of the liquefied hydrogen carrier.

8. The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to claim 1, wherein the crane is a hose handling crane whose slewing range, when viewed from above, overlaps with a manifold having an inlet for loading liquefied hydrogen into the liquefied hydrogen carrier and an outlet for loading liquefied hydrogen from the liquefied hydrogen carrier.

9. The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive device is attached to the crane.

10. The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the crane includes a hydraulic motor for rotating the crane, and the drive system is located outside the cargo area and includes a hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor.

11. The liquefied hydrogen carrier according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a remote controller for remotely operating the crane, wherein the remote controller is equipped with explosion-proof measures.

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