Japanese companies NYK Line, Yanmar Power Solutions, and ENEOS Corporation have announced a joint project to develop a new cruise vessel powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
The new vessel, scheduled to enter service in 2027, will operate dining cruises in the Tokyo area and will replace the existing vessel Lady Crystal.
The project is based on hydrogen fuel cell technology, which generates electricity without producing carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxide emissions. The fuel cell system will be supplied by Yanmar Power Solutions, while hydrogen storage modules will be provided by Toyota Motor Corporation.
ENEOS will be responsible for the production and supply of hydrogen through its existing hydrogen refueling network in Japan.
The future vessel will have an overall length of approximately 48 meters, a beam of 9.5 meters, and a gross tonnage of around 480 GT. Special attention is being paid not only to environmental performance but also to passenger comfort.
According to the project partners, the introduction of hydrogen technology will contribute to the decarbonization of the maritime industry and accelerate the transition to cleaner marine fuels.
The project will mark the fifth marine application of Yanmar’s hydrogen fuel cell technology and represents another important step in Japan’s development of next-generation vessels.
Photo: Concept design of the future hydrogen fuel cell-powered cruise vessel being developed by NYK, Yanmar and ENEOS.
