Aug 4, 2023

On August 1st, we received the following announcement from Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (YPT), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings. We wanted to share this with our readers because although we focus on pleasure craft more than commercial vessels, some private owners have vessels large enough to accommodate a hydrogen fuel cell system and also have the means to invest in the latest technologies.

Especially for those keeping their boats and cruising in areas where commercial shipping is also active, the emerging opportunity of operating with a hydrogen fuel cell system is exciting and very positive.

Yanmar Power Technology has successfully commercialized a maritime hydrogen fuel cell system towards decarbonization of the maritime industry. The company plans to propose the installation of this system into various ships, including passenger ships, work ships, and cargo ships operating in coastal areas where hydrogen refueling is relatively accessible.

In line with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) revised target of achieving zero net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by around 2050, the maritime sector is pursuing decarbonization efforts. YPT has actively participated in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s (MLIT) initiatives to establish safety guidelines for hydrogen fuel cell ships and develop a roadmap for hydrogen utilization in the marine industry.

Furthermore, YPT has engaged in multiple initiatives, including navigational tests of demonstration ships equipped with hydrogen fuel cells and conducting high-pressure hydrogen refueling tests for ships. Leveraging their expertise and experience in the marine engine business, Yanmar aims to provide total solutions for decarbonization and digitalization of ships with comprehensive designs covering the entire powertrain of fuel cell ships, encompassing power storage, power management, propulsion, hydrogen storage systems and more. This comprehensive system will support the decarbonization and digitalization of the entire ship.

As part of the Yanmar Group’s commitment to its YANMAR GREEN CHALLENGE 2050 initiative, the company aims to realize a sustainable society while addressing GHG reduction and minimizing environmental impact. By delivering customized solutions that meet customer needs, Yanmar strives to contribute to solving the challenges facing society.

As a demonstration of their new hydrogen fuel cell system, Yanmar has released this video of a boat that is of comparable size to larger private yachts. 

The Main Features include:

• Zero emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, PM, etc.
• Low vibration, low noise, and no exhaust gas odor, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
• Gas valve unit is built into the system housing for easy installation into ships.
• The system is equipped with a maritime hydrogen fuel cell module that has received an Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK. (System AiP is currently under application.)

Learn more and see the video here: Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Technology Page

Yanmar Green Challenge 2050