Clean energy developer Provaris Energy Ltd. has entered into co-operation agreement with Japanese shipping partner Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) and Norwegian Hydrogen AS to advance the development of a commercial hydrogen supply chain from Norway to Northern Europe.
The collaboration will focus on delivering a viable marine transport solution for the proposed FjordH2 Export Project located in Ørskog, Norway.
Developed solely by Norwegian Hydrogen, the advanced project is targeting the production of up to 40,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen destined for European buyers.
Central to the joint venture is the utilisation of Provaris’ proprietary H2Neo hydrogen carriers and H2Leo storage barges, which are custom-designed for the efficient maritime transport of compressed hydrogen.
By leveraging “K” LINE’s extensive operational footprint in the region, which includes managing liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers for the Snøhvit project and liquid carbon dioxide vessels for the Northern Lights carbon capture scheme, the partners will mature a detailed cost model for the delivery chain.
The scope of work also involves drafting long-term shipping charter agreements, exploring financing alternatives, and mapping out ownership structures for the fleet.
The FjordH2 project already has strong commercial momentum, backed by an existing offtake term sheet with German energy giant Uniper Global Commodities.
Provaris CEO Martin Carolan said combining the distinct strengths of each company would accelerate access to the North-West European market.
“By combining Norwegian Hydrogen’s project development with K LINE’s shipping expertise and Provaris’ compressed hydrogen transport solution, we are focused on maturing a scalable, cost-competitive pathway that aligns with Europe’s demand for pipeline-ready RFNBO-compliant hydrogen,” Carolan said.
Norwegian Hydrogen CEO Jens Berge hailed the inclusion of the global shipping major as a significant milestone that strengthens the entire value chain as the Ørskog site progresses toward a final development decision.
