News Release
Yanmar Power Technology Secures Approval in Principle for Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System from DNV
April 9, 2025
Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.
Osaka, Japan (April 9, 2025) – Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (Yanmar PT), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, has received an Approval in Principle (AiP)* for its GH320FC Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System from the classification society, DNV.
The GH320FC is designed as a next-generation power source for marine applications with an innovative design that facilitates easy installation on various types of vessels. The system also allows for multiple units to be connected in parallel and offers flexibility in the number of hydrogen fuel cell modules, enabling it to meet diverse power requirements across different ship types and operations.
“We are excited about this new milestone in meeting our customers’ needs for sustainable clean energy solutions in the marine sector,” said Eric Tigelaar, Department Manager of the Commercial Marine Department at Yanmar Europe. “Our hydrogen fuel cell system is particularly well suited for applications such as coastal passenger ferries, inland waterway cargo vessels, port service vessels and operations in low or zero emission zones across Europe.”
Masaru Hirose, Director, General Manager of Large Power Products Business at Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd, stated: "This is a significant milestone in bringing our hydrogen fuel cell solutions to European customers. Drawing on our experience with previous installations such as the hydrogen fuel cell system being used on a coastal passenger ferry currently in commercial operation in Japan, we believe our solutions can help the customers to achieve their decarbonization goals."
Olaf Drews, Head of Engines & Pressurized Equipment, DNV Maritime, remarked: “As the maritime industry pushes forward towards decarbonization, we need to examine every option that offers full zero-emission operations. And fuel cells in combination with clean renewably produced fuels are a highly efficient and scalable power solution to meet this challenge. DNV is very pleased to award this AiP to Yanmar and to partner with such a future focused company to help set the stage for shipping’s next generation of vessels. We look forward to building on this great cooperation, working together to safely realize the benefits of this innovative technology for the maritime industry.”
Left: Eric Tigelaar, Department Manager of Commercial Marine Department, Yanmar Europe
Right: Olaf Drews, Head of Engines & Pressurized Equipment, DNV Maritime.
- *An Approval in Principle (AiP) is an independent assessment of a concept within an agreed framework, confirming that the design is feasible, and no significant obstacles exist to prevent the concept from being realized.
About Yanmar
With beginnings in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, Yanmar was the first ever to succeed in making a compact diesel engine of a practical size in 1933. A pioneer in diesel engine technology, Yanmar is a global innovator in a wide range of industrial equipment, from small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, to machine tools, and components — Yanmar’s global business operations span seven domains. On land, at sea, and in the city, Yanmar provides advanced solutions to the challenges customers face, towards realizing A Sustainable Future. For more details, please visit the official website of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.
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