A new Collaboration in Maritime Transport for Cleaner Energies

Tree Energy Solutions (TES) is a Belgium-based organisation in the green hydrogen-derived electric natural gas (e-NG) sector. It has partnered with Japanese shipping giant Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) to accelerate the adoption of e-NG and add its share of efforts for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector by 2050.

Movement Towards Green Energy Transition

TES is known for its commitment to providing reliable and affordable green energy through large-scale projects. The company is developing a global portfolio that includes e-NG production and import facilities. e-NG is produced by combining green hydrogen with biogenic or recycled CO2, representing a breakthrough in reducing the carbon footprint of maritime transport.

K Line’s Decarbonisation Strategy

In alignment with its 2030 interim targets, K Line is actively transitioning its fleet towards cleaner fuels, including hydrogen and e-NG. The collaboration with TES will enable both companies to explore new opportunities across the e-NG value chain, fostering the adoption of these sustainable fuels in maritime operations.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• The partnership will focus on blending captured CO2 with green hydrogen to produce e-NG. This sustainable fuel will be essential for meeting the bunkering needs of K Line’s vessels from Europe, sourced from TES’s green energy hub in Wilhelmshaven, Germany and eventually a few ports in India and Japan.
• Both parties consider regulatory frameworks surrounding low-carbon fuels, CO2 accounting, certification, and incentives to strengthen e-NG project development.
• This includes the operation and management of e-NG and liquefied CO2 carriers, as well as the exchange of knowledge on CO2 capture and utilization onboard ships.

Voices from Leadership

Marco Alverá, CEO and Co-Founder of TES expressed, The partnership between K-Line and TES marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to drive decarbonisation within the maritime transport sector. By leveraging TES expertise in green fuels and K Line’s commitment to decarbonising long-haul shipping, we aim to pioneer cleaner and more efficient maritime operations, setting a precedent for the industry worldwide.

Satoshi Kanamori, Managing Executive Officer of K Line, added, At K Line, we are deeply committed to realizing our vision of a carbon-neutral future for maritime transport. Partnering with TES allows us to combine our strengths and resources to accelerate the adoption of e-NG, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable shipping and logistics industry.

Background and Future Plans

This collaboration follows TES’s partnership with French energy company TotalEnergies, announced last year. The joint project in the US aims to produce between 100,000 to 200,000 metric tonnes of e-NG annually and will be equally owned and operated by TotalEnergies.

The combined efforts of TES and K Line represent a pivotal move in fostering a greener and more resilient maritime industry, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and achieve a sustainable energy future.