HES International and North Atlantic Agree Hydrogen Import Route via Wilhelmshaven LOHC Corridor
HES International and Canadian energy company North Atlantic have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) import route through the Port of Wilhelmshaven, marking a further step in the creation of a transatlantic hydrogen supply chain aimed at supporting Europe’s long-term decarbonisation and industrial energy transition.
The agreement, signed in Berlin, was witnessed by Grant Hendrik Tonne in his capacity as Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport and Construction for the State of Lower Saxony, underscoring the strategic importance of the project for regional energy policy and infrastructure development.
Under the terms of the MOU, HES International will assess how its existing liquid bulk terminal infrastructure at Wilhelmshaven can be repurposed and expanded to enable the import, storage and distribution of hydrogen transported in LOHC form. The initiative is intended to leverage established port and terminal assets to create a scalable and lower-risk pathway for large volumes of hydrogen to enter the European market.
North Atlantic, based in Canada, will contribute its planned wind-to-hydrogen production capabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador, positioning the project as a potential direct export corridor between Atlantic Canada and northern Germany. The companies say the collaboration builds on shared ambitions to accelerate the hydrogen ramp-up while strengthening cross-border energy security.
LOHC technology allows hydrogen to be chemically bound to a liquid carrier, enabling it to be transported using conventional shipping infrastructure before being released at its destination. This approach is widely viewed as a practical solution for overcoming some of the logistical challenges associated with large-scale hydrogen trade, particularly over long distances.
The Port of Wilhelmshaven has been identified as a key strategic hub in this emerging network due to its deep-water access and established energy import infrastructure, making it suitable for handling large-scale liquid energy carriers and future hydrogen derivatives.
HES International chief executive Paul van Gelder said the agreement reflects the company’s broader strategy to repurpose existing terminal assets under its “Progress 2030” framework, positioning the business for next-generation energy flows while maintaining its role in European energy logistics.
North Atlantic chief executive Ted Lomond said the partnership strengthens Canada’s position in emerging hydrogen export markets, linking planned production in Atlantic Canada directly with European demand centres through established port infrastructure.
Support from regional government was also highlighted, with officials emphasising the project’s potential to reinforce Wilhelmshaven as a key energy gateway for Europe and to contribute to industrial resilience through diversified low-carbon fuel imports.
The collaboration is expected to advance technical and commercial studies focused on infrastructure readiness, logistics integration and phased development of a transatlantic hydrogen corridor, with further milestones dependent on engineering assessments and investment decisions.
