Provaris Energy advances hydrogen tank commercialisation through Himile manufacturing collaboration

Provaris Energy Ltd (ASX:PV1, OTC:GBBLF, FRA:WS90) has moved its compressed hydrogen technology closer to commercial-scale production after signing a technical collaboration agreement with China's Himile Heavy Industries to develop a manufacturing pathway for its proprietary hydrogen tanks.

The agreement builds on Provaris' prototype fabrication and class approval work in Norway and will assess large-scale production of tanks for the company's H2Neo™ hydrogen carriers and H2Leo™ storage barges, as well as other potential applications.

The collaboration will cover robotic fabrication systems, laser welding automation, production capacity, cost estimates and manufacturing readiness, with the findings expected to support Provaris' discussions with shipyards alongside shipping partner "K" LINE. It will also evaluate potential long-term manufacturing and licensing opportunities, including within China.

The partnership follows a recent visit by Himile engineers to Provaris' Hydrogen Prototype Tank Program and Robotics Innovation Centre in Fiskå, Norway, where they reviewed robotic welding systems, digital manufacturing tools and production workflows.

The collaboration represents an important step in moving its proprietary compressed hydrogen tank and integrated ship designs from prototype fabrication toward serial commercial production, while improving technical readiness and supporting future project bankability.

"We are delighted to team up again with Himile, a recognised global leader in pressure vessel fabrication. The collaboration with Himile represents an important next step in our pathway towards commercialisation of Provaris' proprietary hydrogen shipping designs required to support regional supply chains," Provaris managing director and CEO Martin Carolan said.

Himile brings industrial manufacturing scale

Himile brings significant heavy engineering capability to the partnership, with three operating yards spanning more than 800,000 square metres, around 3,000 direct employees including 800 engineers, and a 17-year operating track record.

The company has delivered more than 25,000 pressure vessels and has experience in heavy engineering, steel fabrication, automation and construction of complex modules for the oil and gas and offshore industries.

The aim is to combine Provaris' proprietary tank designs, digital manufacturing systems and robotic laser-welding knowledge with Himile's industrial-scale fabrication and automation capabilities.