Hydrogen Supply for Maritime
From Production to Bunkering: Northern Europe’s Emerging Hydrogen Infrastructure
Building Europe’s Hydrogen Maritime Infrastructure
Northern Europe is rapidly developing the hydrogen infrastructure needed to support zero-emission shipping. From large-scale green hydrogen production facilities in Norway to bunkering terminals in major ports like Rotterdam and Hamburg, the pieces of a comprehensive hydrogen supply chain are coming together.
For shipowners and operators considering hydrogen propulsion, understanding the supply landscape is critical. Where can you bunker? Who are the major producers? What will hydrogen cost? How do you secure reliable supply contracts? This section provides a comprehensive overview of hydrogen supply infrastructure across Northern Europe, with detailed information on production facilities, bunkering locations, supply chain logistics, and pricing trends.
Whether you’re planning your first hydrogen vessel or expanding an existing hydrogen fleet, these resources will help you navigate the emerging hydrogen supply ecosystem and make informed decisions about your hydrogen strategy.
Hydrogen Supply: Key Facts
Production Types
- Green Hydrogen: Produced from renewable electricity via electrolysis. Zero CO₂ emissions.
- Blue Hydrogen: Produced from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
- Grey Hydrogen: Produced from natural gas without CCS. Not zero-emission.
Maritime focus is on green and blue hydrogen for true decarbonization.
Bunkering Forms
- Liquid Hydrogen (LH₂): Stored at -253°C. Higher energy density, complex infrastructure.
- Compressed Hydrogen (CH₂): Stored at 350-700 bar. Existing technology, lower density.
- Containerized: Swappable containers with stored compressed or liquid hydrogen.
Most maritime projects focus on liquid hydrogen in fixed tanks for long-range vessels.
Northern Europe Leadership
- Norway: Leading in liquid hydrogen production and export.
- Netherlands: Rotterdam emerging as major hydrogen hub.
- Germany: Large-scale production and import infrastructure.
- Denmark: Offshore wind-powered hydrogen production.
Region investing €10+ billion in hydrogen infrastructure through 2030.
Current Status
- Operational: Limited bunkering available (mainly pilots and demonstrations).
- Under Construction: Multiple large-scale facilities breaking ground 2025-2026.
- Planned: 5+ GW production capacity by 2030.
- Timeline: Commercial-scale availability expected 2026-2028.
Early movers can access demonstration-scale supply now; commercial scale coming soon.
Latest Supply News
Recent developments in hydrogen production, bunkering infrastructure, and supply agreements.
Questions About Hydrogen Supply?
Whether you’re evaluating hydrogen supply options for a new vessel, seeking to understand regional availability, or planning your hydrogen bunkering strategy, I can help navigate the evolving supply landscape.