Leading 'Hydrogen Logistics'... CJ Logistics Starts Korea's First Liquefied Hydrogen Transport

Transporting Liquefied Hydrogen at SK E&S Incheon Plant
Expanding the Hydrogen Logistics Ecosystem

CJ Logistics is launching the first liquefied hydrogen transportation business in Korea. The strategy is to establish industry standards for the hydrogen logistics system and pioneer a new market.

On the 9th, CJ Logistics announced that it will transport liquefied hydrogen produced at SK E&S's Incheon plant to hydrogen refueling stations nationwide. CJ Logistics is the first company in Korea to start a liquefied hydrogen transportation business and is currently the only logistics company capable of transporting it.

The Incheon liquefied hydrogen plant of SK E&S, completed the day before, is the world's largest production facility, producing 900,000 tons of liquefied hydrogen per day and 30,000 tons annually. CJ Logistics transports the liquefied hydrogen produced here to various refueling stations nationwide using dedicated special tank trailers. Currently, six refueling stations, including Incheon Gajwa, are covered, and this number is expected to increase to 40 nationwide in the future. CJ Logistics plans to deploy additional tank trailer vehicles accordingly.

Liquefied hydrogen is hydrogen that exists as a gas at room temperature but is cooled to an extremely low temperature of minus 253 degrees Celsius to become liquid. Compared to gaseous hydrogen, its volume is 1/800, and the transportation capacity per trip is about 10 times larger, making it advantageous for large-capacity storage and transportation. It can be transported at low pressure, ensuring high safety, and has advantages such as fast refueling speed and short refueling waiting times.

CJ Logistics has been preparing for the liquefied hydrogen transportation business since 2021. This decision was made to pioneer and secure the 'hydrogen logistics' sector, which handles the core energy source of the hydrogen ecosystem. Following its entry into the gaseous hydrogen transportation business in June last year, it is expanding its scope by entering the liquefied hydrogen sector as well. To promote the liquefied hydrogen transportation business, it also received approval from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's regulatory sandbox last year.

The transition to eco-friendly hydrogen mobility is also accelerating. In July last year, CJ Logistics signed a business agreement with SK E&S, SK Plug Hybus, and others to convert cargo trucks and forklifts operating at major logistics centers in Gunpo, Dongtan, Yangji, and other locations to hydrogen-powered equipment. Additionally, it agreed to provide sites for hydrogen refueling stations at the nationwide logistics bases of its subsidiary, Korea Integrated Logistics.

A CJ Logistics official stated, "We will establish systems and standards for hydrogen logistics and accumulate operational know-how to lead the new market," adding, "We will operate stably and contribute to the smooth landing of the hydrogen ecosystem."

CJ Logistics' liquefied hydrogen tank trailer is transporting liquefied hydrogen produced at SK E&S Incheon Liquefied Hydrogen Plant. (Photo by CJ Logistics)