BeHydro, the Belgian joint venture between engine builder ABC and shipping company CMB.Tech, has entered into a strategic partnership with JPNH₂ydro, Daihatsu Infinearth and Mizuno Marine for the introduction of BEH2ydro Infinearth hydrogen engines in Japan.
The signing of the agreement was attended by HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium and other dignitaries from Belgium and Japan. The 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.
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 six-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 the 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. Daihatsu Infinearth will support validation and regulatory approval, leveraging its experience 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 includes technical exchanges between BeHydro, Daihatsu Infinearth and JPNH2ydro to ensure seamless integration and innovation.
Mitsuo Kambara, Representative Director and President of JPNH₂ydro, said: “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. Therefore, we will accelerate the promotion of hydrogen-powered ship solutions to our customers in cooperation with these business partners.”
Tim Berkmoes, CEO ABC Engines added: “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. 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.”
Roy Campe, CTO CMB.Tech said: “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. We are deeply honoured by the royal presence and diplomatic support, which underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration for a cleaner future. We are proud that CMB.Tech’s reference projects, such as the Hydroville and Hydrotug, have helped pave the way for hydrogen technology in Japan and are now ready for further scale-up.”
Yoshinobu Hotta, President and CEO, Daihatsu Infinearth, said: “Our group regards global environmental conservation as one of its most important management issues and promotes the reduction of environmental burdens in its business activities. Under this agreement, we will contribute to the adoption of hydrogen engines by leveraging our knowledge and sales network in engine development and manufacturing, which we have built as an engine manufacturer. We will continue to work with our suppliers and business partners to achieve our major goal of net zero emissions and contribute to the development of a sustainable society.”
Shigeru Mizuno, President, Mizuno Marine, concluded: “Since our founding, we have consistently engaged in the maintenance of internal combustion engines under the quality mission of ‘Keeping Japan’s vessels running’. Today, as a company responsible for servicing fossil-fuel-based engines, we recognise our important responsibility to contribute to the realisation of a decarbonised society. Going forward, we will actively support the creation of environments where hydrogen engines can operate safely and reliably, thereby contributing to the development of a sustainable society as part of our CSR initiatives.”
Image: Agreement between BeHydro, JPNH₂ydro, Daihatsu and Mizuno Marine (source: BeHydro)
