QAZAQ GREEN.   Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has successfully supplied green hydrogen produced offshore to an onshore facility in Tokyo, marking a global first in maritime energy innovation. The achievement is part of MOL’s Wind Hunter Project, a zero-emission initiative utilizing wind power and hydrogen technology.

MOL’s demonstration yacht, Winz Maru, produced green hydrogen using offshore wind energy and successfully supplied it onshore in the central breakwater area of Tokyo. This groundbreaking development showcases the potential for hydrogen production and transportation at sea, offering a viable path toward sustainable maritime energy solutions.

Between FY2021 and FY2023, MOL conducted trials in Omura Bay, Sasebo City, where Winz Maru successfully demonstrated the entire hydrogen production cycle, including generation, storage, and onboard usage. Since FY2023, in line with the Tokyo Bay eSG Project, MOL has focused on supplying domestically produced green hydrogen from Winz Maru to onshore facilities in Tokyo Bay.

One of the key advancements of the Winz Maru is its ability to efficiently store and transport hydrogen, which is typically challenging in its gaseous form. The vessel converts green hydrogen into methylcyclohexane (MCH) onboard, enabling safer handling and transportation. To enhance storage capacity and efficiency, MOL has upgraded the MCH tanks and installed additional turbine generators. Furthermore, safety measures have been reinforced to withstand the rougher sea conditions of Tokyo Bay compared to Omura Bay.

Looking ahead, MOL plans to expand green hydrogen production in Tokyo Bay, targeting the generation of approximately 100 Nm³ of hydrogen (equivalent to about 200 liters of MCH) by FY2025. The hydrogen will be used to power a trailer home and other facilities in the central breakwater area of Tokyo. Additionally, MOL is researching the development of a dedicated demonstration vessel and a broader hydrogen supply chain for the Wind Hunter Project.

MOL envisions the establishment of a domestic hydrogen value chain and aims to commercialize hydrogen-powered vessels by the 2030s. As part of this commitment, a model of the Wind Hunter will be displayed in the “Transportation and Mobility” zone of the “Future Society Showcase” pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, starting April 13, 2025.

Through the Wind Hunter Project, MOL remains dedicated to advancing green hydrogen supply chains and promoting a decarbonized society.