Two prominent companies, Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies and Clarksons Specialised Products have decided to form a partnership, in order to create a roadmap for a maritime supply chain. This supply chain is a necessary adaptation for the economy and addition to the hydrogen industry.

The companies are planning to construct a maritime supply chain to aid the bulk transportation of green hydrogen using liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC). However, this supply chain is an innovative and sought after addition to the hydrogen industry, as along with its focus on LOHC’s, it is also focused on developing an effective, sustainable and reliable long-distance form of hydrogen transportation. This long-distance part of the design is what is specified in the MoU between the companies, as the point of the project is to find a way to use LOHC’s as a safe and cost-efficient solution for long-distance hydrogen transportation.

So far, the companies have planned to do this through chemically binding the hydrogen molecule to benzyltoluene. Then the LOHC can be stored and transported via existing chemical tanker fleets. Once it has arrived at its destination, high purity hydrogen can then be released for use. Hydrogenious has said that the use of release units onboard ships, provides the potential to use the technology for handling hydrogen as a fuel which can then be used to power vessels.

Whilst Hydrogenious will be providing the LOHC, Clarksons will be providing its knowledge on how would be best to operate the project. For example, Clarksons will be able to provide shipping strategies, regulatory guidance and solutions to facilitating the commercialisation of green hydrogen.

Divisional Director Specialised Products at Clarksons Deutschland, Gunnar Broeker, commented, “Hydrogen holds enormous potential as an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels – either as a power source, or for marine propulsion. Transporting it carries complexities and therefore adoption has been limited to date. Through this agreement we look forward to exploring ways in which Hydrogenious’ LOHC solution can be brought closer to the shipping marketplace.”

Chief Commercial Officer at Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies, Dr. Toralf Pohl, added, “Our LOHC technology is perfectly suited for long-distance maritime supply chains and is a key enabler for the safe and cost-effective transport of hydrogen, as we can utilise the existing liquid fuel infrastructure in ports. We are excited to be working with the world’s leading shipbroker in Clarksons, and to benefit from their immense expertise in shipping, trade and energy transition. We look forward to expanding our collaboration and deepening our understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the hydrogen market.”