Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, known as “K” LINE, has entered a co-operation agreement with Provaris Energy Ltd and Norwegian Hydrogen AS to advance a compressed hydrogen supply chain project in Norway.
The agreement supports development of the FjordH2 Export Project at Ørskog, Norway, where Norwegian Hydrogen is planning production of up to 40,000 tonnes per year of hydrogen for export to Northern Europe.
The partners will focus on developing a commercial hydrogen shipping solution using Provaris’ H2Neo hydrogen carriers and H2Leo barge storage system for marine transport of compressed hydrogen.
Under the agreement, “K” LINE will contribute shipping and regional operational expertise to help develop shipping cost models, fleet management plans and draft long-term charter arrangements for the proposed hydrogen transport chain.
The companies said the project has already secured land, advanced permitting work and completed feasibility studies aimed at demonstrating technical and economic viability.
Provaris added that the project also has a term sheet in place with Uniper Global Commodities covering key terms for the supply, shipping and delivery of compressed hydrogen under long-term take-or-pay provisions.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Provaris and Norwegian Hydrogen to advance a practical compressed hydrogen shipping solution from Norway,” said Kei Onishi, Corporate Officer at “K” LINE.
Provaris CEO Martin Carolan said the co-operation combines hydrogen production, marine transport and European market access to progress “a scalable, cost-competitive pathway” for renewable hydrogen exports to Europe.
