TES, K Line to support e-NG uptake in shipping

Tree Energy Solutions (TES), a Belgium-based producer of electric natural gas derived from green hydrogen (e-NG), and Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) have teamed up to accelerate the adoption of e-NG and ‘lead’ the transition towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector by 2050.

With a mission to deliver reliable and affordable green energy through giga-scale projects, TES is developing a global portfolio of e-NG production and import projects.

e-NG, a green molecule obtained by combining green hydrogen with biogenic or recycled CO2, is poised to revolutionize the decarbonization of the maritime transport sector.

In parallel, K Line is strategically advancing towards 2030 interim milestones, which include transitioning its vessel to cleaner fuels such as hydrogen and e-NG.

The two companies intend to explore potential collaboration opportunities, including broadening the scope of e-NG partnerships and the various facets of the value chain to accelerate the adoption of cleaner fuels in maritime transport.

Specifically, the collaboration entails blending captured CO2 emissions with green hydrogen to produce e-NG, thereby facilitating the transition to cleaner bunker fuels for K Line’s vessels. Such discussions aim to secure and procure e-NG, a sustainable fuel to meet the K Line’s or its subsidiaries’ bunkering needs in Europe, originating from the TES green energy hub in Wilhelmshaven, Germany.

Moreover, both parties will consider the regulatory landscape surrounding low/non-carbon fuels, carbon intensity, CO2 accounting, certification, and incentive schemes.

By considering supportive regulatory frameworks, the duo aims to bolster the development of e-NG projects, driving forward transition to a more sustainable energy future. In addition to commercial endeavors, technical collaboration is also on the agenda, encompassing the operation and management of e-NG carriers and liquified CO2 carriers and exchanging information relating to CO2 capture and utilization onboard vessels.

“The partnership between K Line and TES marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to drive decarbonisation within the maritime transport sector. By leveraging TES’ expertise in green fuels and K Line’s commitment to decarbonise long-haul shipping, we aim to pioneer cleaner and more efficient maritime operations, setting a precedent for the industry worldwide,” Marco Alverá, CEO and Co-Founder of TES, commented.

“At K Line, we are deeply committed to realizing our vision of a carbon-neutral future for maritime transport. Partnering with TES allows us to combine our strengths and resources to accelerate the adoption of e-NG, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable shipping and logistics industry,” Satoshi Kanamori, Managing Executive Officer of K Line, said.

A year ago, TES partnered with French energy major TotalEnergies to study and develop a large-scale production unit in the United States (US) for e-NG.

The project, expected to produce 100,000 to 200,000 metric tonnes of e-NG per year, will be equally owned by the partners and operated by TotalEnergies.