Japanese firms develop hydrogen fuel cells for shipping

A Japanese group of private-sector and state firms are joining forces to study and develop hydrogen fuel cells for use in commercial shipping, as part of their strategy to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Utility Kansai Electric Power, energy firm Iwatani, shipbuilder Namura Shipbuilding, the state-owned Development Bank of Japan and the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology have agreed to start a feasibility study to develop a vessel powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The partners also plan to develop a fuelling station to supply hydrogen to a vessel.

The group is aiming to operate the hydrogen fuel cell vessel during the Osaka-Kansai Japan Expo in 2025. The 30m vessel is designed to carry around 100 people at around 20km/h.

Japanese firms are gearing up efforts to expand their hydrogen-related businesses, backed by the government's latest pledge for a carbon neutral society by 2050. Japan's trade and industry ministry is working on action plans covering areas such as hydrogen fuel, battery storage and carbon recycling.

Japanese engineering firm IHI, refiner Eneos, regional power firm Kitakyushu Power, industrial gas firm Fukuoka Oxygen and the Kitakyushu city and Fukuoka prefecture governments yesterday started a pilot project to produce, transport and consume CO2-free hydrogen at Hibikinada in Fukuoka prefecture. The partners aim to cut production costs through the demonstration project, while using surplus solar, wind and waste-driven power output. They target starting full-sale operations during the April 2022-March 2023 fiscal year.

By Motoko Hasegawa