MOL and KEPCO to Develop Liquid Hydrogen Carrier Vessels
Japanese transportation firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and nuclear power company Kansai Electric Power Co. (KEPCO) announced a strategic collaboration to study the development and operations of liquid hydrogen carrier vessels.
This partnership is formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming to strengthen Japan‘s hydrogen supply chain and support its clean energy transition.
Focus on supply chain
This collaboration involves a review of vessel design, operational processes and compliance with international laws and regulations for the liquid hydrogen supply chain.
The study spans the production of renewable hydrogen overseas, transportation via specialized carrier ships and its industrial use, applications and power generation in Japan.
MOL’s progress in liquid hydrogen vessels
MOL is the whole and sole of liquid hydrogen carrier vessel development. In September, the company’s ship design, created in partnership with a consortium of global leaders, received Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV, a global quality assurance and risk management company.
Including Woodside Energy, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), and Hyundai Glovis to build and operate a liquid hydrogen carrier by 2030.
The vessel will transport up to 80,000 cubic metres of liquid hydrogen. This will be a significant milestone in the commercialisation of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
Japan’s growing hydrogen ambitions
Japan is prioritising hydrogen as a cornerstone of its clean energy strategy. Last year’s Hydrogen Council report highlighted: “Japan must replace its LNG and coal imports with hydrogen and derived fuels and expand wind and solar infrastructure towards decarbonization.” By 2050, over 16% of Japan’s electricity generation capacity could come from imported hydrogen and ammonia.
Previously, DNV awarded an AiP to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering’s CBM electric propulsion liquefied hydrogen carrier. This vessel is equipped with HD Hyundai’s liquid hydrogen tanks and hydrogen dual-fuel HiMSEN engines that can store and transport up to
80,000 cubic metres of liquid hydrogen. These advancements prove that there was progress in the field of hydrogen transportation and its critical role in global energy transitions.
Through their collaboration, MOL and KEPCO contribute towards Japan’s hydrogen supply chain, enhancing the country’s ability to import and utilize clean hydrogen.
With MOL’s expertise in maritime transportation and KEPCO’s leadership in energy solutions, the partnership represents a significant step towards Japan’s hydrogen ambitions and decarbonization efforts.
