A new partnership is set to accelerate the deployment of BeHydro’s dual fuel and 100% hydrogen engines across Japan’s ports and coastal regions. As part of the initiative, the engines will be adapted to comply with Japanese regulations and go through local testing and commissioning.
Two V12 BeHydro dual fuel hydrogen engines will be installed on a tugboat currently under construction at Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, with delivery expected in July this year. In addition, three sets of inline 6-cylinder BeHydro 100% hydrogen engines will be used for a zero-emission ship planned by JPNH2YDRO. Both vessels are being developed with support from the Nippon Foundation’s Zero Emission Ships Project.
Under the agreement, JPNH2YDRO—a joint venture between CMB.TECH, Tsuneishi Facilities & Craft, and Kambara Kisen—will serve as the general agent for BeHydro in Japan. JPNH2YDRO will oversee the import and final performance testing of engines at its Hydrogen Engine R&D Center, as well as coordinate delivery to customers. This will be done in collaboration with Daihatsu Infinearth, which will support validation and regulatory approvals, drawing on its extensive expertise in engine development and manufacturing. Mizuno Marine will be responsible for commissioning and maintenance services, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of hydrogen engines in Japan. The partnership also includes ongoing technical collaboration among BeHydro, Daihatsu Infinearth, and JPNH2YDRO to support seamless integration and continuous innovation.
Mitsuo Kambara, Representative Director and President of JPNH2YDRO, commented: “We have been solving many issues around the implementation of H2ICE (Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine) technology into the shipping industry. We did this throughout the development of the world’s first dual fuel hydrogen-powered passenger ferry “Hydro BINGO”, the development of the hydrogen-powered tugboat that will be delivered in this summer and the construction of a marine hydrogen refuelling station. With this collaboration, the implementation of the already commercialised medium-speed hydrogen engines into the shipping industry, and the operation of such ships, becomes a reality in Japan. Therefore, we will accelerate the promotion of hydrogen-powered ship solutions to our customers in cooperation with these business partners.”
Source: ROYAL VISIT MARKS LAUNCH OF HYDROGEN ENGINE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BELGIUM AND JAPAN
Photo Credit: Tsuheishi Shipbuilding
