German companies Daimler Truck and Hamburger Hafen und Logistik (HHLA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japanese Kawasaki Heavy Industries to explore the development of a green liquid hydrogen supply chain via the Port of Hamburg to the European hinterland.

As disclosed, the partnership intends to enable the import of liquid hydrogen from hydrogen-producing countries to Germany. Over the coming months, the companies are expected to assess the logistical requirements for transshipment and onward transport by road and rail.

Andreas Gorbach, Member of the Board of Management, Daimler Truck, and Head of Truck Technology, said: “Europe will continue to rely on green energy imports in the future and hydrogen will play a key role here. The partnership is an important step in this direction, and we will need more initiatives like this to strengthen Europe’s position as a leader in liquid hydrogen. What makes it special is that our Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck can not only be powered by liquid green hydrogen – the truck can also transport it via road. And the best thing about it: Hydrogen allows us to increase the speed of decarbonization – and reduce the scope and cost of the already slow expansion of the power grid.”