Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (Yanmar PT), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, has received approval in principle for its GH320FC maritime hydrogen fuel cell system from classification society DNV.
The GH320FC is designed as a cleaner power source that can be installed on any type of vessel, a Yanmar spokesperson told WorkBoat, adding that it is particularly suitable for harbor and coastal vessels that operate near hydrogen supplies. Target sectors could include passenger ferries, inland waterway cargo vessels, and port service vessels, among others.
The system 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.
"The GH320FC has a rated output of 320 kW. However, by changing the number of fuel cell modules installed within the system, there are lineup options with rated outputs of 240 kW, 160 kW, and 80 kW," the spokesperson said.
The GH320FC is 11'6" wide, 3'11" deep, and 5'7" tall, excluding piping connection parts.
Masaru Hirose, director, general manager of large power products business at Yanmar PT, said, "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 and pressurized equipment, DNV Maritime, said, “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.”
