Amsterdam Port Set to Host World's First Large-Scale Liquid Hydrogen Import Terminal
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 30 December 2025.
Dutch company EcoLog advances Europe’s hydrogen ambitions with a groundbreaking terminal project that will be the first of its scale globally. The facility, expected operational by 2030, will handle 200,000 tonnes of liquid hydrogen annually while simultaneously exporting 1.8 million tonnes of liquid CO₂. This dual-purpose approach positions the Netherlands as a critical gateway for Northwestern Europe’s clean energy transition, addressing the region’s inability to produce sufficient green hydrogen domestically and establishing vital infrastructure for decarbonizing heavy industry and transportation sectors.
Strategic Tokyo Agreement Solidifies International Partnership
On December 15, 2025, EcoLog signed a pivotal agreement in Tokyo with four Japanese technology partners to supply specialized equipment for both the Amsterdam import terminal and future hydrogen transport vessels [1][2]. The consortium includes Ebara Corporation, Fukui Seisakusho, Kobe Steel, and TB Global Technologies, marking a significant milestone in international collaboration for hydrogen infrastructure development [1][2]. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Dutch ambassador to Japan H.E. Gilles Beschoor Plug, underscoring the diplomatic importance of this energy partnership between the Netherlands and Japan [1][3].
Terminal Specifications and Strategic Location
The terminal will be situated in the Afrikahaven within the Port of Amsterdam, representing what will be the first facility of this scale worldwide for liquid hydrogen operations [1][2][3]. Upon reaching full operational capacity around 2030, the terminal will process an initial annual throughput of 200,000 tonnes of liquid hydrogen while simultaneously handling 1.8 million tonnes of liquid CO₂ for export [1][2][3]. The facility will incorporate sophisticated equipment including pumps for loading and unloading liquid hydrogen, safety relief valves, heat exchangers, and marine loading arms specifically designed for the unique challenges of handling cryogenic hydrogen [1][2]. EcoLog is concurrently developing specialized ships for liquid hydrogen transport, which will require the same advanced equipment being supplied by the Japanese consortium partners [1][2].
Addressing Europe’s Green Hydrogen Supply Gap
The Amsterdam terminal addresses a critical infrastructure gap in Europe’s hydrogen strategy, as the Netherlands lacks sufficient domestic space and capacity to produce all necessary green hydrogen independently [2]. This supply constraint necessitates imports from other regions, making the terminal a crucial component in developing the European hydrogen economy [1][2]. Earlier in 2025, EcoLog secured an agreement with parties from Oman, Germany, and the Netherlands to establish an import corridor, demonstrating the international nature of emerging hydrogen supply chains [1]. The project aligns with broader international cooperation efforts to supply Northwestern Europe with green hydrogen, positioning the Netherlands as a strategic energy hub [2].
Timeline and Development Progress
As of December 29, 2025, EcoLog continues advancing the detailed design of the terminal while progressing through the permit procedure, maintaining its target for operational commencement in 2030 [1][2]. The development received additional support through a €4 million TSE Industrie grant for environmental studies, highlighting the project’s significance within the Netherlands’ green transition strategy [4]. Ellen van der Veer, development lead of the EcoLog Terminal Amsterdam, emphasized the project’s central role in hydrogen economy development, stating that ‘this infrastructure project stands at the center of hydrogen economy development’ [4]. The terminal’s development coincides with broader Dutch hydrogen initiatives, including new subsidy programs announced on December 23, 2025, to stimulate hydrogen hub development across the country [4].