| February 2026

Legal aspects of converting LNG terminals to hydrogen transport carriers

Legal study.

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Abstract

The conversion of existing onshore LNG terminal infrastructure to hydrogen transport carriers is an important building block for the establishment of the import infrastructure required for the hydrogen ramp-up. The study examines the associated legal challenges with regard to both licensing law and energy industry law issues. On the one hand, there is legal uncertainty regarding the classification of the plant components, some of which are new, into the licensing regime under immission control law. At a regulatory level, the implementation of key EU requirements is still pending. Among other things, there is uncertainty as to the extent to which the European requirements allow for technology-neutral imports.

Related projects

TransHyDE

In TransHyDE Campfire, IKEM examines the legal framework and acceptance issues relating to a future hydrogen infrastructure.

IKEM-Author(s)

Leandra Schulz, LL.M.

leandra.schulz@ikem.de

+49 30 408 1870-50

Yannick Würkert

yannick.wuerkert@ikem.de

+49 30 408 1870-57

Friederike Allolio, LL.M

friederike.allolio@ikem.de

+49 30 408 1870-43

Further information

Energy law, Hydrogen, Infrastructure, LNG
Energy Law

Suggested citation:
Schulz, Leandra; Würkert, Yannick; Allolio, Friederike; Frotscher, Enrico: Legal aspects of converting LNG terminals to hydrogen transport carriers. Legal study. 2026.