Daimler and Kawasaki partner to optimise liquid hydrogen supply chain

In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, Daimler Truck AG and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly study the optimisation of liquid hydrogen supply chains for road freight transportation in Europe. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of liquid hydrogen as a key component in the decarbonisation of the transport sector.

The MoU, initially signed in Tokyo, Japan, by Yasuhiko Hashimoto, president and CEO of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Dr. Manfred Schuckert, head of Regulatory Strategy at Daimler Truck, was finalised during the Hydrogen Council annual meeting in Berlin, Germany, on June 12, 2024. The event saw participation from high-profile officials, including European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson and Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Ken Saito.

The collaboration focuses on the entire liquid hydrogen supply chain, including the development of LH2 terminals, shipping solutions, and large-scale storage facilities. Yoshinori Kanehana, chairman of the Board of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, emphasised the importance of this partnership in advancing hydrogen technology, particularly within the European market. Martin Daum, chairman of the Board of Management and CEO of Daimler Truck, highlighted the crucial role of hydrogen in Daimler Truck’s strategy to lead in sustainable transportation.

This partnership supports Kawasaki’s ambition to lead the development of international liquefied hydrogen supply chains and Daimler Truck’s commitment to providing sustainable transportation solutions. Daimler Truck aims to make its entire range of trucks and buses CO2-neutral in driving operation across its core markets by 2039. The company is also developing hydrogen-powered and battery-electric vehicles as part of its dual-track strategy for decarbonisation.