May 11, 2026 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- MB Energy, Daimler Truck AG, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. have entered into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) aimed at creating a liquefied hydrogen supply chain to Europe through the Port of Hamburg. This agreement was formalized during the “Hamburg Port Anniversary,” one of the largest port festivals globally, highlighting Hamburg’s ambition to become a significant energy hub for Europe.
Through this collaboration, the three companies will leverage their expertise to conduct studies focused on developing a financially viable liquefied hydrogen supply chain to Hamburg. Their goal is to achieve a Commercial Operation Date (COD) for the supply of liquefied hydrogen and hydrogen by the early 2030s. Building upon the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Japan-Germany hydrogen supply chain, the partners aim to expand their hydrogen-related business internationally, contributing to global energy security and fostering a decarbonized society for a sustainable future.
Volker Ebeling, Senior Vice President of New Energy, Supply & Infrastructure at MB Energy, stated, “Hydrogen has the potential to be a key driver for Europe’s energy transition, with Hamburg ideally positioned as Germany’s main entry point. We are integrating MB Energy’s infrastructure, service station network, and trading expertise with Daimler Truck’s advancements in hydrogen trucks and Kawasaki’s innovative hydrogen storage and shipping technologies. Together, we are working to establish a scalable, international hydrogen import corridor for Europe.” He added that creating a reliable liquefied hydrogen supply chain enhances energy security and sustainability, and they aim to deliver this as a comprehensive end-to-end solution.
MB Energy is recognized for its extensive expertise in fuel sourcing, trading, and logistics, supported by its established supply chain and service station network, including the conversion of key logistics hubs for liquid hydrogen (LH2).
Daimler Truck is pursuing a dual strategy for decarbonizing transport through both battery-electric and hydrogen-powered solutions. The company plans to introduce 100 hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks into customer operations by the end of 2026, with series production expected to begin in the early 2030s, coinciding with the anticipated availability of necessary infrastructure and competitively priced liquid hydrogen.
Manfred Schuckert, Head of Regulatory Strategy at Daimler Truck, emphasized, “The scaling of hydrogen-powered trucks across Europe in the coming decade relies on a dependable and competitive supply of liquid hydrogen. This agreement is crucial as it unites key partners to collaboratively explore and develop a liquefied hydrogen supply chain for Europe, focusing on feasibility, scalability, and long-term impact. Liquid hydrogen provides the energy density and operational flexibility essential for long-haul transport, but its potential can only be realized through coordinated efforts across the entire value chain.”
Kei Nomura, Executive Officer and General Manager of the Hydrogen Strategy Division at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, expressed support for this Hamburg-centered initiative, viewing it as a critical step in developing a hydrogen supply chain between Japan and Germany.
“By introducing our liquefied hydrogen technologies to Europe, we aim to meet the demands of industrial and heavy-duty vehicles, establishing a scalable international hydrogen corridor that enhances competitiveness, resilience, and climate neutrality.”
Kawasaki Heavy Industries will contribute its expertise in designing and manufacturing key infrastructure, including hydrogen liquefiers, LH2 storage tanks, and LH2 carrier ships, which are essential for building international liquefied hydrogen supply chains. As the demand for hydrogen energy grows in the quest for a decarbonized society, this partnership seeks to establish efficient transport routes from potential hydrogen-producing countries to Germany, promoting hydrogen utilization across European industries, starting with Daimler Truck’s Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).
