The partners are relying on Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC). This technology enables the transport and storage of hydrogen in liquid form using existing infrastructure for liquid goods. According to North Atlantic, they plan to produce hydrogen in Newfoundland and Labrador based on renewable wind energy and export it to Europe.
HES International operates the liquid goods terminal at the port of Wilhelmshaven. The company intends to examine how existing facilities can be converted to enable the import, storage, and distribution of hydrogen in LOHC form. The cooperation is part of the "Progress 2030" corporate strategy, with which HES aims to align its European terminal portfolio with new energy carriers.
Lower Saxony supports the project
The signing of the MoU took place in the presence of Grant Hendrik Tonne, Minister for Economy, Transport, and Construction of the Federal State of Lower Saxony. "We support the project because it is good for the energy transition, supports the hydrogen ramp-up, promotes European resilience, and strengthens the economic location of Wilhelmshaven," said Tonne. The establishment of a transatlantic import chain is "an innovative approach to safely and efficiently bring large quantities of climate-neutral hydrogen to Europe."
Paul van Gelder, CEO of HES International, described Wilhelmshaven as "one of the most strategically significant energy hubs in Europe." Ted Lomond, President and CEO of North Atlantic, pointed to planned projects for hydrogen production based on wind energy, which, through the partnership with HES, are intended to create a direct connection between Newfoundland and Labrador and the port of Wilhelmshaven. The companies involved have not yet provided specific details on import volumes, investment amounts, or a timeline for implementation.
