Maritime hydrogen fuel cell system
A hydrogen fuel cell system for maritime applications has been developed as part of efforts to offer environmentally friendly powertrain solutions.
Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., and its subsidiary Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd., announced the development of the maritime-focused hydrogen fuel cell system, based on fuel cell technology for automobiles.
As part of its work to develop future powertrains using hydrogen as fuel, Yanmar has signed a memorandum of understanding with Toyota Motor Corporation to develop a hydrogen fuel cell system for maritime applications based on hydrogen fuel cell system components including high pressure hydrogen tanks on MIRAI, a hydrogen fuel cell automobile manufactured by Toyota.
With a view to realising an easily installable module with superior cruising range, Yanmar aims to install the maritime fuel cell system on its own boat and start a field demonstration test by the end of FY2020. Furthermore, the company plans to expand the technology for a variety of applications and deployments.
Yanmar’s work has previously involved successfully addressed the various regional demands for emission control regulations by developing dual-fuel enginesand ever cleaner diesel engine technologies.
With the International Maritime Organization announcing a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to zero by the end of this century, marine environmental regulations have been tightened worldwide and the implementation of emission control areas has begun to have an effect on ship operations.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
