Japanese shippers join forces in hydrogen

The initiative was launched on 5 March 2026 by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Obayashi Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Chiyoda Corporation. The partners will examine the commercial feasibility of producing green hydrogen in New Zealand and transporting it to Japan for use as a low-carbon energy source.

Hydrogen is widely expected to play an important role in the global energy transition because it produces no carbon dioxide emissions when burned. It is seen as particularly valuable for sectors that are difficult to decarbonise, including heavy industry, chemicals production and steelmaking, as well as for mobility applications and co-firing in thermal power plants.

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Japan’s limited domestic energy resources are a key driver behind the project. The country has a relatively low energy self-sufficiency rate and renewable energy currently accounts for only a modest share of total consumption. As a result, meeting future large-scale demand for green hydrogen through domestic production alone is expected to be challenging.

New Zealand is viewed as a promising production base due to its abundant renewable energy resources, including geothermal and hydropower, which are essential for the production of green hydrogen. The New Zealand government has also identified hydrogen development as a priority sector, positioning the country to become a potential supply hub for the Asia-Pacific region.

Under the corridor initiative, the consortium will begin detailed studies this year to assess the creation of a full hydrogen supply chain originating in New Zealand. This will include production, transportation and export logistics, with a view to exports beginning in the early 2030s.