Clarksons Specialised Products has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies, a German pioneer in Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology, to collaborate on a roadmap to establish a maritime supply chain for the bulk transportation of green hydrogen in chemical tankers using Hydrogenious’ LOHC technology.
Through collaboration and their position as brokers, Clarksons will impart its experience and knowledge to inform shipping strategies, provide guidance on regulatory frameworks and facilitate innovative solutions that align with Hydrogenious’ key objective: to enable the large-scale commercialisation of clean hydrogen. The division’s partnership with Hydrogenious reflects Clarksons’ commitment to enabling global trade and leading positive change by promoting wide-scale access to clean hydrogen and the progression it can bring to reaching decarbonisation goals.
Hydrogenious facilitates the safe and cost-efficient long-distance transport of hydrogen by chemically binding the molecules to an LOHC, the thermal oil benzyltoluene. The fluid can then be safely stored and transported via the existing chemical tanker fleet. At its destination, the hydrogen is released on demand in high purity and can be used by industrial offtakers, for energy and for mobility. With LOHC release units on board hydrogen-powered ships, there is potential to use the LOHC technology for safe and easy handling of hydrogen as a fuel, contributing to the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.
Gunnar Broeker, divisional director specialised products at Clarksons Deutschland GmbH comments: ‘It’s great to be part of a solution that will bring cutting-edge, sustainable technologies to the fore, making a meaningful contribution towards global decarbonisation goals. As a naturally occurring gas, 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.’
Dr Toralf Pohl, CCO at Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies says: ‘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 utilize 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.’
