Global Consortium Moves to Build First Commercial Liquid Hydrogen Supply Chain
A global consortium led by EcoLog has signed a framework agreement to develop the world’s first commercial liquid hydrogen supply chain, linking LH₂ vessels with a planned import terminal in Amsterdam.
(P&GJ) — EcoLog has signed a framework agreement with a group of Japanese and European engineering firms to develop what the companies describe as the world’s first commercial liquid hydrogen (LH₂) supply chain, centered on shipping and import infrastructure in Europe.
The agreement brings together EBARA Corporation, Fukui Seisakusho, Kobe Steel and TB Global Technologies to support EcoLog’s planned LH₂ vessels and a new liquid hydrogen import terminal at the Port of Amsterdam.
Under the agreement, the consortium will provide specialized cryogenic equipment across the LH₂ value chain, including pumps, safety relief valves, heat exchangers and marine loading arms. The companies said the goal is to make the full LH₂ shipping and terminal system commercially deployable, drawing on experience developed in the LNG sector.
The signing ceremony was held in Tokyo at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and was witnessed by H.E. Gilles Beschoor Plug, Dutch Ambassador to Japan.
“This consortium, one of the world’s first industry led initiatives, is a breakthrough for the development of global liquid hydrogen corridors, with Europe being the primary focus and the Netherlands as its gateway,” said Ellen Ruhotas, CEO of EcoLog. “By uniting world-class expertise across the LH2 supply chain and building on LNG’s proven legacy, we are making liquid hydrogen a truly global clean energy solution. Today’s partnership ensures the full LH₂ supply chain is market ready.”
H.E. Ambassador Gilles Beschoor Plug said the agreement highlights cross-border cooperation on hydrogen infrastructure.
“The Netherlands is ideally positioned to be the hydrogen hub for North-West Europe. This partnership shows how Dutch and Japanese innovation can solve global energy challenges together,” he said.
The consortium’s work builds on EcoLog’s previously announced partnership with Gas and Heat, which focuses on LH₂ storage and handling systems. Together, the agreements are intended to cover vessel transport, terminal operations and regasification, creating an end-to-end LH₂ midstream network.
EcoLog said development of the Amsterdam terminal is expected to serve as a cornerstone project for Europe’s emerging liquid hydrogen import market.