Daimler Truck, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) and Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed a letter of intent on 22 October 2025. The goal: to establish a powerful international supply chain for deep-frozen, liquefied hydrogen – with Hamburg as a central import hub for Europe.
“Europe will continue to rely on imports for green energy in the future – and hydrogen will play a key role,” said Dr Andreas Gorbach, CTO of Daimler Truck.
The Port of Hamburg is set to become not only a transshipment point but also the heart of a new energy infrastructure.
Signing of the strategic partnership to build a European liquid hydrogen supply chain. From left to right: Dr Manfred Schuckert (Daimler Truck), Annette Walter (HHLA), Kei Nomura (Kawasaki Heavy Industries). Photo: HHLA
Liquid instead of pipeline: flexibility as an advantage
The focus is on liquid hydrogen (LH₂), which can be transported independently of pipeline infrastructure. According to HHLA CFO Annette Walter, this approach is particularly advantageous for mobility, logistics and aviation, as well as for small and medium-sized enterprises.
“Our goal is to reliably supply industry with hydrogen through our European logistics network,” emphasised Walter.
Logistics meets technology
The three partners bring different core competencies to the alliance:
- HHLA: European logistics network with seaport terminals in Hamburg, Tallinn, Trieste and Odessa – ideal for distribution into the European hinterland.
- Daimler Truck: pursuing a dual strategy of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. In 2023, the GenH₂ Truck demonstrated its range by driving 1,047 km on a single tank.
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries: globally leading in technology for transport, storage and refuelling of liquid hydrogen – including the development of specialised ships with up to 160,000 m³ capacity.
“We have been laying the technological foundations for this for a long time,” said Kei Nomura of Kawasaki.
The partners aim to integrate this know-how into the European supply chain and further expand global partnerships.
Vision with a concrete timeline
In the coming months, the partners plan to analyse the logistical requirements for handling, storage and transport by truck and rail. The goal is to create a complete consortium along the hydrogen value chain together with other stakeholders – from production to the end consumer.
By the end of 2026, Daimler Truck plans to produce a limited series of 100 hydrogen-powered tractor units. Industrial-scale production for the European market is planned for the early 2030s.
An opportunity for the industry
For the transport and logistics sector in Germany, the project opens up new business fields – not only in freight handling but also in the development and use of emission-free propulsion technologies.
If Hamburg becomes Europe’s central hydrogen hub, it would mark a milestone in the energy transition – and provide a competitive advantage for logistics stakeholders.
