The recent European Green Deal Strategy and its strong commitment for a 90% reduction in carbon emissions of the maritime sector by 2050, has necessitated the promotion of more sustainable and clean fuel alternatives. Hydrogen (H2) is expected to play a vital role in this transition due to its zero-carbon content and its potential to be produced from renewable sources. A key enabling technology and fundamental problem that needs to be addressed is the storage and transportation of H2. Liquefaction of H2 (−253 ℃ at atmospheric pressure) is an efficient way, as liquid hydrogen (LH2) occupies approximately 1/800th the volume of the gaseous phase. For maritime transportation of LH2 at large scale, the proven technology of membrane-type Cargo Containment Systems (CCS) in LNG carriers, is a promising candidate for future LH2 carriers. In this perspective, this study aims to investigate the materials that constitute the barriers and insulation space of such type of tanks, since their suitability cannot be taken for granted and significant differences exist between LH2 and LNG cargo. For instance, hydrogen induces H2 embrittlement in metals, while the more extreme temperature conditions may adversely affect both the mechanical and the thermal insulation properties. In this view, an extensive literature review has been conducted on the mechanical and thermal behaviour of candidate materials for LH2 CCS, focusing on cryogenic temperatures down to 20 K (−253 ℃), revealing valuable insights and, in some cases, gaps on available data.