Key Findings
Kawasaki Heavy Industries announced on November 4, 2026, the development of liquid hydrogen loading arms with diameters of at least 12 inches. If completed to these dimensions, the equipment is expected to be the world’s largest loading arms for liquid hydrogen. The company targets a commercial launch for the system in fiscal 2033.
Technical Details
The 12-inch design utilizes a flange-type ship-shore connection. Based on the ratio of pipe cross-sectional areas at equal flow velocity, the target handling capacity is approximately four times that of a 6-inch model. Development is focused on compliance with ISO 24132, the international standard for liquid hydrogen loading arms. Engineering efforts are currently addressing structural, fluid-flow, operational, and maintenance challenges associated with the increased size of the equipment.
Background and Context
This project builds upon the technology used in a commercial-specification 6-inch loading arm developed jointly with TB Global Technologies (a Tokyo Boeki Holdings group company), which was completed on October 14, 2026. The 6-inch lineage began with a 2018 pilot model used at the Hy touch Kobe demonstration terminal in 2022. Commercial version development started in August 2023, with liquid hydrogen testing conducted at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Noshiro Rocket Testing Center from August 2025 through July 2026. The 6-inch equipment obtained ISO 24132 certification.
Significance and Outlook
As hydrogen supply chains expand, larger liquid hydrogen carriers require higher-capacity ship-to-shore equipment to ensure the efficient transport and receipt of large volumes from overseas. To demonstrate commercial supply-chain capabilities, three 6-inch arms are scheduled for installation at the Kawasaki LH2 Terminal being built by Japan Suiso Energy in Kanagawa Prefecture. These will handle transfers involving a 40,000-cubic-metre liquid hydrogen carrier.
Source: https://jp.ibtimes.com/kawasaki-develops-12-inch-plus-liquid-hydrogen-loading-arms-105110
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