MOL joins giant marine hydrogen shipping study

Mitsui OSK Lines joins hydrogen tanker study

Japan

TOKYO, February 15, 2024 – Mitsui OSK Lines has joined with Australia’s Woodside Energy and partners to study the possibility of transporting hydrogen via marine vessels, the Japanese shipping company announced on Wednesday.

The study consists of studying the technology, safety, construction operation and feasibility of a tanker with the capacity to store 80,000 square metres of hydrogen that would service supply chains in Asia and other regions.

The vessel would also utilise hydrogen as a fuel source.

Mitsui OSK Lines joins Woodside Energy, South Korean shipbuilding entity HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering Company and shipping company Hyundai Glovis Company in pursuing the study that began with the three original partners in 2022.

Should the concept prove feasible, Woodside Energy will be responsible for producing hydrogen, storing it and loading it at discharge points; HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering Company will handle design and construction of the vessel; and Hyundai Glovis Company and Mitsui OSK Lines will provide operational input.

The partners hope to have the vessel built and commissioned by 2030.