Under this collaboration, GES and Provaris will conduct a comprehensive pre-feasibility study to assess the technical and economic feasibility of berthing and unloading Provaris’s H2Neo compressed hydrogen carriers. Additionally, the partnership will entail joint marketing efforts for the proposed facility. Specifically, Provaris will oversee the transportation of hydrogen using the H2Neo carriers, while GES will handle the discharge of hydrogen from these carriers and its injection into the hydrogen grid.
Both parties agree that the GES terminal in Rotterdam is ideally positioned for large-scale imports of green hydrogen, thanks to its direct access to the HyNetwork grid. This facilitates the supply of gaseous hydrogen to industrial users in the Port of Rotterdam and to major industrial users in Europe.
Provaris’s approach to the compressed hydrogen supply chain provides an innovative and competitive alternative to chemical carriers from regional supply sources from the Nordic region and extend across the Baltics, North Sea, Iberia and down to North Africa.
Peter Vucins, CEO of GES, commented: “This collaboration with Provaris showcases the types of partnerships that GES is pursuing to facilitate the Energy Transition through our contribution with storage and logistics solutions, at Rotterdam as well as other existing and future locations. I welcome the opportunity to work closely with Provaris to develop a cost competitive import solution for Rotterdam and European energy customers.”
Martin Carolan, CEO of Provaris Energy, added: “We are delighted to be collaborating with GES on a world-first terminal for bulk scale import of gaseous hydrogen that can accelerate the availability of green molecules for industrial users. GES has a global network and track record of terminal assets and is demonstrating leadership in the development of a bulk-terminal for hydrogen and derivatives for Europe. We look forward to the outcomes of this collaboration which can accelerate the delivery of ambitious import volumes required for the European market and support export projects under development based on the Provaris approach to the simple and energy efficient marine transport.”
During 2024, GES and Provaris will conduct pre-feasibility studies focusing on the jetty facilities designed to discharge the H2Neo carrier. These studies will also cover scavenging compression, storage solutions, connections to the HyNetwork grid, as well as assessing risk and safety, emissions, and various permitting and environmental issues.
Provaris has significantly advanced the development of the H2Neo hydrogen carrier, securing design approval for an extensive Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) package in December 2022. A prototype tank is currently under construction, with a testing program in progress in Norway. This work supports the aim of obtaining final construction approval by mid-2024.
