Japan’s Yanmar Power Technology has secured government approval for its production plan aimed at developing hydrogen-fuelled engines and fuel cell systems.
The endorsement, which came from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, is part of the nation’s Zero Emission Ship Construction Promotion Project.
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The proposal received approval on 9 January 2025.
The project’s objective is to create an “advanced production system” for ships that operate on hydrogen and batteries.
Yanmar’s plan will focus on establishing production facilities for hydrogen propulsion systems, to reduce CO2 emissions through widespread market adoption.
This move is expected to enhance “industrial competitiveness” and contribute to economic growth.
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By GlobalDataThe support from the Zero Emission Ship Construction Promotion Project will enable Yanmar to expedite its hydrogen engine production goals, shifting the target from 2050 to 2040.
The company is also working towards offering 100% carbon-neutral marine power products, including hydrogen engines, by around 2045. This ambition is expected to surpass the greenhouse gas reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization.
In August 2023, the company unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell system for marine applications.
Furthermore, Yanmar has completed onshore testing of a pilot-ignition hydrogen four-stroke high-speed engine designed for power generation for coastal vessels, reaching a rated output of nearly 500kW.
In addition, the company is pursuing the Yanmar Green Challenge 2050, a plan to foster a sustainable society.
The Yanmar Green Challenge 2050 focuses on addressing three “key” challenges, including achieving corporate activities with zero greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring corporate activities have no environmental impact by using renewable resources, and aiding customers in reducing GHG emissions and promoting resource recycling.
In 2021, Yanmar, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Engine Corporation teamed up to develop hydrogen-fuelled marine engines for ocean and coastal vessels.
