Kawasaki, EcoLog to Strengthen Midstream Segment of Hydrogen Supply Chain

EcoLog and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) have entered a strategic alliance in the midstream market of the liquefied hydrogen supply chain, which includes maritime transportation, terminals, and ship-to-shore interfaces. The companies will deepen their partnership by leveraging KHI’s product portfolio in maritime transportation, terminal operations, and ship-to-shore integration, as part of EcoLog’s liquefied hydrogen corridor currently under development in the Port of Amsterdam.

The alliance will allow the safe and stable supply of hydrogen to demand centers across Europe, including the Netherlands, via diversified routes from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Brazil, minimizing geopolitical risks. Additionally, the partnership will accelerate hydrogen adoption in the mobility sector, including heavy-duty trucks, and support the increasing use of liquefied hydrogen across a wide range of industries. This includes digital infrastructure such as data centers, where demand is surging amid the rapid expansion of AI.

“Liquid hydrogen's properties as both a direct energy source and as a vector for transport have led to steadily increasing market momentum,” said Ellen Ruhotas, CEO of EcoLog. “Its successful large-scale adoption will create a new pillar upholding Europe's and Asia's energy security. The mid-stream is a critical piece of the equation. Kawasaki brings technological and executing capabilities, as demonstrated by their delivered milestones in both liquid hydrogen shipping and storage systems.”

KHI will deliver core equipment and operational expertise in the midstream hydrogen sector, bolstering its track record as the world’s first builder of a liquefied hydrogen carrier, in addition to adding its capabilities in the design and construction of export and import terminals and ship-to-shore interfaces. EcoLog will draw on its expertise in cryogenic cargo transportation through LNG operations, serving as the owner and operator of liquefied hydrogen carriers and import terminals to bridge hydrogen supply and demand.

“As geopolitical shifts heighten the need for energy security and stable supply, hydrogen is increasingly seen as a compelling solution,” said Yoshimoto Matsuda, Managing Executive Officer, KHI. “EcoLog brings both a concrete liquefied hydrogen supply chain project for the Port of Amsterdam and expertise in cryogenic cargo transportation from its LNG operations, making the company an ideal partner in realizing the full supply chain, including maritime transportation.”

Canada-Japan Partnership

In late April 2026, KHI, Edmonton Regional Hydrogen Hub, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, and Edmonton Global signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the establishment of a liquefied hydrogen supply chain. The MOU will investigate the feasibility of creating both international and domestic liquefied hydrogen supply chains in Canada, and to seek collaboration with potential stakeholders.

The feasibility of exporting liquefied hydrogen from Canada—a hydrogen-producing country—to hydrogen-importing counties including Japan is expected to increase via this collaboration. Simultaneously, the partnership is expected to improve Canada’s role as a hub for sustainable energy logistics, while bolstering energy security on the demand side in hydrogen-importing countries.

The four parties will proceed with studies and actively promote participation by other companies, research institutions, and government/public organizations, aiming to form a consortium that covers the entire hydrogen value chain: production, transportation, storage, and utilization. Ebara Elliott Energy was also contracted by KHI to supply specialized liquid hydrogen booster pumps and cryogenic hydrogen return gas blowers.