Japan is investing US$2 billion to create the largest liquefied hydrogen carrier, establishing a commercial supply chain for this innovative fuel.
Japan is launching a US$2 billion project to build the world's largest liquefied hydrogen carrier, aiming to establish a commercial-scale supply chain for the fuel, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.
The initiative is backed by the Green Innovation Fund Project under Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization. Japan Suiso Energy, formed in 2021, will lead the program, with Kawasaki Heavy Industries building the vessel at its Sakaide Works.
The carrier will have a capacity of 40,000 cubic meters, measure about 250 meters in length, and operate at a speed of 18 knots. Demonstration voyages, including loading and unloading, are planned by 2030.
The ship will feature advanced insulation to limit boil-off gas from cryogenic storage and a double-wall vacuum jacketed piping system to maintain extremely low temperatures during transfer. Its hull design will improve propulsion efficiency, while a compressor and heat exchanger will allow boil-off gas to be used as fuel.
Alongside the vessel, a liquefied hydrogen terminal is being built in Ogishima, Kawasaki City. The facility will include a 50,000 cubic meter storage tank, marine cargo handling systems, liquefaction equipment, transmission infrastructure, and tanker truck loading facilities. Japan Suiso Energy will own the project, with Kawasaki Heavy Industries leading construction. Groundbreaking took place in November 2025.
