A new collaboration is set to fast-track the introduction of BeHydro’s dual fuel and 100% hydrogen engines in Japan’s ports and coastal waters. The engines will be customized to comply with Japanese standards and supported locally with testing, commissioning, and after-sales service.
The partnership was formalized on June 6 at a ceremony held at the Belgian embassy in Tokyo, attended by dignitaries including Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, His Royal Highness Prince Lorenz, and ambassadors from Belgium and Japan.
As part of the agreement, two V12 BeHydro dual fuel hydrogen engines will be installed on a tugboat under construction at Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, with delivery slated for July. Additionally, three inline 6-cylinder BeHydro 100% hydrogen engines will power a zero-emission vessel planned by JPNH2YDRO, supported by the Nippon Foundation Zero Emission Ships Project.
JPNH2YDRO—a joint venture of CMB.TECH, Tsuneishi Facilities & Craft, and Kambara Kisen—will serve as BeHydro’s general agent in Japan, managing imports, final performance testing at its Hydrogen Engine R&D Center, and customer delivery. Daihatsu Infinearth will assist with validation and regulatory approvals, leveraging its expertise in engine development, while Mizuno Marine will handle commissioning and maintenance to ensure reliable engine operation in Japanese waters. The partnership includes ongoing technical exchanges to facilitate smooth integration and continuous innovation.
Mitsuo Kambara, president of JPNH2YDRO, emphasized the progress made in integrating hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE) into shipping, citing prior projects such as the hydrogen-powered passenger ferry Hydro Bingo and the upcoming hydrogen tugboat. He stated that the partnership will accelerate commercial adoption of medium-speed hydrogen engines and promote hydrogen-powered shipping solutions throughout Japan.
Tim Berkmoes, CEO of BeHydro parent company ABC Engines, highlighted ABC’s century-long legacy of manufacturing marine engines and pioneering alternative fuel technologies. “With our BeHydro hydrogen solutions, we offer net zero emission technologies,” Berkmoes said, expressing pride in collaborating to support Japanese shipowners’ sustainable transition.