Yanmar Power Technology Receives Approval for Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System
Yanmar Power Technology, a subsidiary of Japan’s industrial diesel engine and machinery manufacturer Yanmar Holdings, has recently achieved a significant milestone in sustainable energy solutions for the marine sector. The company has obtained an approval in principle (AiP) from the Norway-based classification society DNV for its cutting-edge GH320FC maritime hydrogen fuel cell system.
The GH320FC has been carefully designed as a next-generation power source for marine applications, offering a versatile and easy installation process on various types of vessels. This innovative system allows for multiple units to be connected in parallel, providing flexibility in the number of hydrogen fuel cell modules to meet diverse power requirements across different ship types and operations.
Eric Tigelaar, Department Manager of the Commercial Marine Department at Yanmar Europe, expressed his excitement about this achievement, stating, “We are excited about this new milestone in meeting our customers’ needs for sustainable clean energy solutions in the marine sector. The hydrogen fuel cell system is particularly well suited for applications such as coastal passenger ferries, inland waterway cargo vessels, port service vessels, and operations in low or zero emission zones across Europe.”
Masaru Hirose, Director and General Manager of Large Power Products Business at Yanmar Power Technology, emphasized the significance of this milestone in bringing hydrogen fuel cell solutions to European customers. Hirose highlighted the company’s experience with previous installations, including a hydrogen fuel cell system currently in commercial operation on a coastal passenger ferry in Japan, as evidence of their commitment to decarbonization goals.
Olaf Drews, Head of Engines & Pressurized Equipment at DNV Maritime, commended Yanmar’s efforts towards decarbonization in the maritime industry. Drews stated, “Fuel cells in combination with clean renewably produced fuels are a highly efficient and scalable power solution to meet the challenge of full zero-emission operations. DNV is very pleased to award this AiP to Yanmar and partner with such a future-focused company to set the stage for shipping’s next generation of vessels.”
In a related development, Yanmar Power Technology received government approval for its hydrogen-fueled engines and hydrogen fuel cell systems production plan in early 2025. The approval was granted under Japan’s Zero Emission Ship Construction Promotion Project, with investments exceeding JPY 120 billion earmarked for production facilities in Japan’s shipbuilding and marine equipment industry.
Looking ahead, Yanmar Holdings is set to restructure Yanmar Power Technology into two distinct companies by October 2025. This reorganization will see the creation of one company focused on industrial engines and another specializing in large power products, further solidifying Yanmar’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.