MOL's Wind Hunter Project Advances with Offshore Wind Hydrogen Milestone
Key Ideas
  • MOL achieved a significant milestone in its Wind Hunter project by supplying green hydrogen produced from offshore wind onboard a demonstration yacht for use on shore in Tokyo.
  • The demonstration test in Omura Bay, Sasebo City, involved all phases of hydrogen production, storage, and usage between 2021 and 2023, leading to the current hydrogen supply in Tokyo Bay.
  • MOL plans to scale up green hydrogen production in 2025, aiming to produce about 100 Nm3 of hydrogen, equivalent to 200 liters of MCH, and supply electricity to various facilities in Tokyo.
  • The company is also working on developing a demonstration vessel and hydrogen supply chains for the Wind Hunter project, with the goal of commercializing the vessel in the 2030s.
Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has made significant progress with its Wind Hunter project, a zero-emission initiative that combines wind power and hydrogen. MOL has successfully supplied green hydrogen, generated from offshore wind using the demonstration yacht Winz Maru, to onshore facilities in Tokyo. This achievement marks a groundbreaking moment as it is the first time a ship has provided green hydrogen, produced while underway, for onshore use. The project began with a demonstration test in Omura Bay, Sasebo City, where MOL tested all aspects of hydrogen production, storage, and utilization between 2021 and 2023. Following the successful test, the company has shifted its focus to supplying domestically produced green hydrogen from the Winz Maru to onshore locations in Tokyo Bay. To transport hydrogen, the demonstration yacht Winz Maru converts the green hydrogen to methylcyclohexane (MCH) onboard the vessel in Tokyo Bay. Modifications, including adapting MCH tanks and adding turbine generators, were made to ensure a steady supply of hydrogen, especially in rough sea conditions of Tokyo Bay. In 2025, MOL plans to enhance its green hydrogen production, aiming to produce approximately 100 Nm3 of hydrogen. This output will support the supply of electricity to a trailer home and other facilities in the central breakwater area of Tokyo, showcasing the project's potential for sustainable energy supply. The company is also actively involved in the development of a demonstration vessel and hydrogen supply chains to further advance the Wind Hunter project. With a vision for establishing a domestic hydrogen value chain, MOL aims to have a commercial demonstration vessel by the 2030s. This forward-looking approach emphasizes MOL's commitment to green energy and innovation in the maritime industry.
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