Japanese shipping major Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has partnered up with Australia’s Provaris Energy to advance compressed hydrogen shipping and offshore storage solutions.

The two companies have signed a 12-month memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore the development, construction, and operation of Provaris’ H2Neo carrier and H2Leo barge.

Provaris is currently developing a 27,000 cu m purpose-built compressed hydrogen ship aimed at regional marine transport, alongside a barge system designed for nearshore and port-side hydrogen storage.

Under the MoU, K Line will contribute its technical, commercial, and operational expertise to the partnership, helping to refine Provaris’ newbuild program, operational cost models, and chartering framework. This support will be further bolstered by Clarksons Norway, acting as commercial advisor.

The collaboration aligns with Provaris’ broader hydrogen export initiatives, including projects in Norway and its existing MoUs with German utilities focused on hydrogen delivery into Europe.

”This MoU represents a key milestone for Provaris in the development of our regional shipping solution and development of an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to address Europe’s significant import requirement for hydrogen by 2030,” said Martin Carolan, managing director at Provaris.

The ASX-listed company added that the initial agreement also provides potential for further long-term partnership opportunities or commercial agreements.