May 19, 2026 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- HES International (HES) and Canadian energy company North Atlantic, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to jointly develop an LOHC (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier)-based hydrogen import route via the Port of Wilhelmshaven.

The signing took place in Berlin in the presence of Olaf Lies, Minister-President of the State of Lower Saxony. The agreement marks another significant step in the development of Wilhelmshaven as a strategic hub for the European hydrogen economy.

As the operator of the liquid bulk terminal at the port, HES International will explore how its existing assets can be repositioned and future-proofed to facilitate the import, storage, and distribution of hydrogen in LOHC form; contributing to the long-term decarbonisation of industrial energy supply in Germany and beyond.

The partnership between HES International and North Atlantic reflects the broader group strategy of HES to leverage its European terminal portfolio as a foundation for the energy transition. This MoU represents a first concrete step in translating that ambition into cross-border, transatlantic collaboration.

“Wilhelmshaven is one of Europe’s most strategically positioned energy gateways. This MoU with North Atlantic reflects our commitment to PROGRESS 2030 — repurposing proven infrastructure for next-generation energy carriers, and creating lasting value for our partners, our people, and the regions we serve.” — Paul van Gelder, CEO HES International

“North Atlantic’s strategic location, experience and infrastructure place us in an excellent position to lead Canada’s hydrogen exports to Europe. Our planned wind-to-hydrogen development is strengthened by our partnership with HES and connects Newfoundland and Labrador directly to Germany and the Port of Wilhelmshaven.” — Ted Lomond, President & CEO North Atlantic

“We support this project because it is good for the energy transition, advances the hydrogen ramp-up, strengthens European resilience, and reinforces Wilhelmshaven as a business location. By establishing a transatlantic import chain, an innovative approach is being pursued to bring large volumes of climate-neutral hydrogen to Europe safely and efficiently. The fact that this project is to be realised via Wilhelmshaven underlines the strategic importance of our state as an energy hub.” — Grant Hendrik Tonne, Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport and Construction of the State of Lower Saxony

LOHC technology enables hydrogen to be transported and stored safely in liquid form using existing infrastructure, making it a promising solution for large-scale hydrogen imports into Europe. Wilhelmshaven, with its deep-sea port access and established energy infrastructure, is uniquely positioned to serve as a gateway for such imports.