A new report by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) suggests that Japan and South Korea are on track to become major hydrogen importers in Asia, with a projected combined hydrogen demand of 33 million tonnes per year by 2050. The report highlights the strong interest of these countries in adopting hydrogen as a future fuel source, driven by their dense populations, energy-intensive industries, and high reliance on fossil fuels. The potential growth in hydrogen consumption between 2030 and 2050 is significant, with applications in transport expected to mature later in this period. The report emphasizes that maritime shipping is the most suitable logistics option for inter-regional hydrogen importation from various regions. However, challenges related to supply security, affordability, and sustainability need to be addressed to realize this potential. South Korea aims to produce 5 million tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2050, with a significant portion coming from renewable sources. Japan, on the other hand, is expected to be the second-largest demand market for hydrogen imports, according to the report. Both countries have outlined ambitious goals to meet their future hydrogen demands. Infrastructure development, particularly in maritime shipping, will play a vital role in enabling the growth of hydrogen demand and international trade. Currently, challenges exist in transporting hydrogen due to the lack of specialized vessels and port infrastructure. However, projects like Suiso Energy in Japan and initiatives by Hyundai Heavy Industries Group in South Korea are working towards addressing these challenges. Overall, the report underscores the potential for Japan and South Korea to lead the hydrogen import market in Asia, highlighting the importance of overcoming infrastructure challenges and embracing hydrogen as a key component of their future energy strategies.