Provaris partners with ‘K’ LINE to accelerate hydrogen carrier commercialisation

Provaris Energy Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with global shipping leader Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd – known as “K” LINE – to advance the commercialisation of Provaris’ compressed hydrogen carriers.

The partnership with “K” Line, with its fleet of more than 400 vessels and more than a century of experience in the maritime industry, will support Provaris’ bid to become a leader in the hydrogen transport sector, particularly in Europe, where demand for low-carbon hydrogen is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

The MOU outlines a framework for cooperation between Provaris and “K” LINE, focusing on the development, construction, and operation of Provaris’ innovative H2Neo Carrier and H2Leo Barge. 

The H2Neo Carrier, a purpose-built compressed hydrogen ship, has a carrying capacity of up to 27,000 cubic metres and is designed for regional marine transport. The H2Leo Barge is optimised for near-shore hydrogen storage and delivery, enabling flexible integration with terminal and distribution pipelines.

The vessels are engineered to meet stringent safety, emissions, and risk assessment standards.

Provaris aims to address Europe’s significant hydrogen import requirements by 2030, with Germany alone projected to import up to 70% of its hydrogen. This collaboration will play a pivotal role in meeting the continent’s ambitious emission reduction goals and contribute to its broader energy transition strategy.

As part of the agreement, “K” LINE will provide technical, commercial, and operational assistance, leveraging its vast shipping experience to support the development of Provaris’ hydrogen transport and storage solutions.

The collaboration will also incorporate support from Clarksons Norway AS, “K” LINE’s commercial advisor, to refine operational cost models, newbuild programs and charter terms.

Provaris managing director and CEO, Martin Carolan, said:

This MOU represents a key milestone for Provaris in the development of our regional shipping solution and the creation of an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to address Europe’s significant import requirement for hydrogen by 2030,

“We look forward to ‘K’ LINE’s support of Provaris’ development of export project supply chains in the Nordics.”

Compressed hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a cost-effective and efficient means of transporting hydrogen over regional distances. The collaboration with “K” Line will bolster Provaris’ ongoing efforts to commercialise hydrogen transportation solutions, reinforcing the company’s position in the rapidly developing hydrogen economy.

The partnership also aligns with Provaris’ existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with German utilities, focusing on the delivery of hydrogen supply chains in Europe.

The “K” Line MOU follows Provaris’ recent partnership with global energy infrastructure firm Yinson Production AS to commercialise Provaris’ next-generation liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) tank, with both moves further expanding Provaris’ footprint in the energy transport sector.