BEH2YDRO INFINEARTH hydrogen engines to be launched in Japan

This partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of BeHydro’s dual fuel and 100% hydrogen engines in Japan’s ports and coastal areas, contributing of the country’s zero-emission goals. 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.

Hydrogen-powered vessels

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 2025. Additionally, three sets of inline 6-cylinder BeHydro 100% 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 Center, and delivery to customers in cooperation with DAIHATSU INFINEARTH. DAIHATSU INFINEARTH will also support validation and regulatory approval, leveraging its deep 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 integration.

Mitsuo Kambara, Representative Director and President of JPNH2YDRO, stated: “We have been solving many issues around the implementation of hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2ICE) technology into the shipping industry. We did this throughout the development of the first dual fuel hydrogen-powered passenger ferry Hydro BINGO, the development of the hydrogen-powered tugboat that will be delivered in the summer of 2025, 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.

Roy Campe, CTO of CMB.TECH (BeHydro), added: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the rollout of hydrogen-powered solutions. By combining BeHydro’s proven hydrogen engine technology with the strong local expertise of our Japanese partners, we are not only accelerating the decarbonisation of Japan’s maritime sector but also reinforcing the strength of Belgian Japanese innovation.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/09062025/beh2ydro-infinearth-hydrogen-engines-to-be-launched-in-japan/