Yanmar's Hydrogen Fuel Cell System to Help Ships Go Green
Network Infrastructure

Yanmar's Hydrogen Fuel Cell System to Help Ships Go Green

Network Infrastructure Magazine | Friday, August 04, 2023

Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (YPT), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, has successfully commercialised a maritime hydrogen fuel cell system towards decarbonising the maritime industry.

FREMONT, CA: Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (YPT), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, has achieved a significant milestone in the maritime industry by successfully commercialising a cutting-edge maritime hydrogen fuel cell system. This breakthrough aligns perfectly with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) ambitious target of achieving zero net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 2050. YPT is taking a proactive role in the sector's decarbonisation efforts and has been actively collaborating with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) to set safety guidelines for hydrogen fuel cell ships and establish a roadmap for hydrogen adoption in marine operations.

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The company envisions a wide-scale implementation of its hydrogen fuel cell system in various ships, including passenger, work, and cargo vessels that operate in coastal regions where hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is readily available. By doing so, they aim to significantly reduce the maritime industry's carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

YPT exemplifies a forward-thinking company consistently driven to innovate and elevate the marine industry. Their dedication to revolutionising the field is evident in actions like commercialising the hydrogen fuel cell system, a prime example of their unwavering commitment to progress and advancement. They have been diligently involved in multiple initiatives, conducting navigational tests of demonstration ships equipped with hydrogen fuel cells and undertaking high-pressure hydrogen refuelling tests for ships. Drawing upon their extensive expertise and experience in the marine engine business, Yanmar aspires to offer comprehensive solutions for the decarbonisation and digitalisation of ships. Their approach includes designing the entire powertrain of fuel cell ships, covering crucial aspects like power storage, management, propulsion, and hydrogen storage systems. This holistic system will play a vital role in achieving complete decarbonisation and digitalisation of the entire ship, ensuring it becomes an eco-friendly and efficient mode of transportation.

The Product Outline introduces a cutting-edge, made-to-order system with an order start date of August 1, 2023 (Tuesday). This innovative product boasts a rated output of 300kW, which can be customised according to specific needs. Its output voltage is rated at 650Vdc, with a setting range of 450-700Vdc, while the rated output current is 462A. The system's dimensions are W3,400×D1,100×H1,700mm, and it weighs 3,000kg. As for its fuel, it operates on hydrogen (ISO14687 type I, Grade D), ensuring zero emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, and PM.

The system's main features further enhance its appeal, promising an environmentally-friendly solution with zero CO2, NOx, SOx, and PM emissions. A convenient design element is the integrated gas valve unit, simplifying installation on ships. Notably, the system is equipped with a maritime hydrogen fuel cell module that has already received Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK, and the application for System AiP is currently underway. This Product Outline showcases a remarkable technological advancement that aligns with sustainability and efficiency goals.

As a core part of the Yanmar Group's YANMAR GREEN CHALLENGE 2050 initiative, the company is deeply committed to realising a sustainable society while actively addressing GHG reduction and minimising environmental impact. By delivering tailor-made solutions that cater to customers' specific needs, Yanmar aims to contribute significantly to overcoming the challenges faced by society in the quest for a greener and more sustainable future.

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