To decarbonise shipping, JPNH2ydro, BeHydro, Daihatsu Infinearth and Mizuno Marine have entered into a strategic partnership for the introduction of BeH2ydro Infinearth hydrogen engines in Japan. This partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of BeHydro’s dual fuel and 100-per cent hydrogen engines in Japan’s ports and coastal areas.
Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, His Royal Highness Prince Lorenz, His Excellency Antoine Evrard, Ambassador of Belgium in Tokyo, His Excellency Masahiro Mikami, Ambassador of Japan to Belgium, and many other distinguished guests were present at the Belgian embassy in Tokyo where the signing of the agreement took place.
The engines, already in commercial use in Europe, will now be adapted to meet Japanese standards and will be supported by local testing, commissioning and after-sales service.
Also read: BeHydro’s hydrogen dual-fuel engine first to win type approval
Hydrogen-powered vessels under construction
In Japan, two sets of V12 BeHydro dual-fuel hydrogen engines will be installed on a tugboat, currently under construction at Tsuneishi Shipbuilding. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in July this year. Additionally, three sets of inline 6-cylinder BeHydro 100 per cent hydrogen engines will be adopted for a zero-emission ship planned to be built by JPNH₂YDRO. Both vessels are realised with the support of the Nippon Foundation Zero Emission Ships Project.
Under this agreement JPNH2ydro will act as the general agent for BeHydro in Japan, overseeing import, final performance testing at its Hydrogen Engine R&D Centre, and delivery to customers in cooperation with Daihatsu Infinearth. This company will also support validation and regulatory approval, leveraging its expertise in engine development and manufacturing.
Mizuno Marine will provide commissioning and maintenance services, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of hydrogen engines in Japanese waters. The collaboration also includes technical exchanges between BeHydro, Daihatsu Infinearth and JPNH2ydro to ensure seamless integration and innovation.
Also read: ABC launches multifuel marine engine platform
Implementation of hydrogen engines in Japan
Mitsuo Kambara, Representative Director and President of JPNH2ydro: ‘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.’
‘With over a century of dedication to manufacturing reliable engines for the global marine industry, ABC has been on the forefront of researching alternative fuels, reducing emissions and improving exhaust after treatment systems,’ adds Tim Berkmoes, CEO of ABC Engines (BeHydro). ‘With its BeHydro hydrogen solutions, ABC is now offering net zero emission solutions. We are proud to join forces with our partners to support the Japanese shipowners in achieving their transition to sustainable shipping.’
Picture: From left to right – Mr. Mitsuo Kambara, Representative Director and President, JPNH2ydro Co. Ltd.; Mr. Jean-Christophe Van Acker, Sales Manager, ABC Engines (BeHydro); Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid van België; Mr. Yoshinobu Hotta, President and CEO, Daihatsu Infinearth MFG. Co., Ltd.; Mr. Shigeru Mizuno, President and CEO, Mizuno Marine Co., Ltd (photo by ABC Engines).
Also read: BeHydro launches 1-MW hydrogen-powered dual-fuel marine engine
