Yanmar: Hydrogen engine production plan greenlit under Japanese zero-emission ship program

Yanmar Power Technology, part of Japan’s industrial diesel engine and machinery manufacturer Yanmar Holdings, has received approval from the government for its hydrogen-fueled engines and hydrogen fuel cell systems production plan.

The proposal was approved on January 9, 2025, under Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s “Zero Emission Ship Construction Promotion Project”.

Specifically, the ministries have selected 16 project proposals to promote the construction of zero-emission vessels that use ammonia, hydrogen, etc. as fuel. This will result in investments of over JPY 120 billion (about $777.8 million) in production facilities in Japan’s shipbuilding and marine equipment industry. With the project, Japan aims to “capture the world’s top share of next-generation ships”.

As informed, Yanmar intends to establish an ‘advanced’ production system for zero-emission ships powered by hydrogen and batteries.

By developing essential production facilities for hydrogen-fueled propulsion systems, the initiative seeks to reduce CO2 emissions through market adoption while boosting industrial competitiveness and economic growth, as per the company.

Yanmar Power Technology is actively working toward the YANMAR GREEN CHALLENGE 2050, a group-wide initiative to achieve a sustainable society.

In August 2023, the company introduced a hydrogen fuel cell system for marine use.

Additionally, it has completed onshore tests of a pilot-ignition hydrogen 4-stroke high-speed engine for power generation in coastal vessels, achieving a rated output of approximately 500 kW.

With support from the Zero Emission Ship Construction Promotion Project, the Japanese company plans to accelerate its hydrogen engine production targets from 2050 to 2040. The company also aims to achieve 100% carbon-neutral marine power products, including hydrogen engines, around 2045—exceeding the International Maritime Organization’s greenhouse gas reduction targets.

In related news, Yanmar Holdings recently revealed plans to restructure its subsidiary, Yanmar Power Technology into two distinct companies by October 2025. The reorganization will create one company focused on industrial engines and another specializing in large power products.

• Yanmar starts developing hydrogen-fueled 4-stroke high-speed engine for coastal ships
• Yanmar wraps up land-based test on hydrogen engine for coastal ships
• Yanmar delivers its first maritime hydrogen fuel cell system