Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe an insulation system comprising: a primary shell; a secondary shell positioned to cover at least a portion of the primary shell; a cryogenic fluid contained by the primary shell and at least one load-bearing primary insulation component disposed between the secondary shell and the primary shell. Optionally an intermediary shell is placed between the primary shell and the secondary shell along with a secondary insulation component resulting in a shell/insulation/shell/insulation/shell arrangement. In either arrangement, the primary, secondary or both insulation components comprise a material with a nanoporous aerogel optionally reinforced with a fibrous element.