Royal visit marks launch of hydrogen engine partnership between Belgium and Japan

Ghent, Belgium, 6 June 2025 - In a landmark agreement to decarbonise shipping, our joint venture partners JPNH₂YDRO and BeHydro, together with DAIHATSU INFINEARTH and Mizuno Marine, today entered into a strategic partnership to introduce BEH2YDRO INFINEARTH hydrogen engines in Japan, in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium.

Landmark agreement to decarbonise shipping2

Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, His Royal Highness Prince Lorenz, His Excellency Antoine Evrard, Ambassador of Belgium in Tokyo, His Excellency Masahiro Mikami, Ambassador of Japan to Belgium, and many other distinguished guests were present at the Belgian embassy in Tokyo where the signing of the agreement took place.

This partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of BeHydro’s dual fuel and 100% hydrogen engines in Japan’s ports and coastal areas, contributing of the country’s zero-emission goals. The engines, already in commercial use in Europe, will now be adapted to meet Japanese standards and will be supported by local testing, commissioning and after-sales service.

Hydrogen-powered vessels

In Japan, two sets of V12 BeHydro dual fuel hydrogen engines will be installed on a tugboat, currently under construction at TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in July this year. Additionally, three inline 6-cylinder BeHydro 100% hydrogen engines will be adopted for a zero-emission ship planned to be built by JPNH₂YDRO. Both vessels are realised with the support of the Nippon Foundation Zero Emission Ships Project.

Under this agreement JPNH₂YDRO will act as the general agent for BeHydro in Japan, overseeing import, final performance testing at its Hydrogen Engine R&D Center, and delivery to customers in cooperation with DAIHATSU INFINEARTH. DAIHATSU INFINEARTH will also support validation and regulatory approval, leveraging its deep expertise in engine development and manufacturing. Mizuno Marine will provide commissioning and maintenance services, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of hydrogen engines in Japanese waters. The collaboration also includes technical exchanges between BeHydro, DAIHATSU INFINEARTH and JPNH2YDRO to ensure seamless integration and innovation.

"We have been solving many issues around the implementation of H2ICE (Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine) technology into the shipping industry. We did this throughout the development of the world’s first dual fuel hydrogen-powered passenger ferry “Hydro BINGO”, the development of the hydrogen-powered tugboat that will be delivered in this summer and the construction of a marine hydrogen refuelling station. With this collaboration, the implementation of the already commercialised medium-speed hydrogen engines into the shipping industry, and the operation of such ships, becomes a reality in Japan. Therefore, we will accelerate the promotion of hydrogen-powered ship solutions to our customers in cooperation with these business partners."

Mitsuo Kambara, Representative Director and President of JPNH₂YDRO

“With over a century of dedication to manufacturing reliable engines for the global marine industry, ABC has been on the forefront of researching alternative fuels, reducing emissions and improving exhaust after treatment systems. With its BeHydro hydrogen solutions, ABC is now offering net zero emission solutions. We are proud to join forces with our partners to support the Japanese shipowners in achieving their transition to sustainable shipping.”

Tim Berkmoes, CEO of ABC Engines (BeHydro)

“This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the rollout of hydrogen-powered solutions. By combining BeHydro’s proven hydrogen engine technology with the strong local expertise of our Japanese partners, we are not only accelerating the decarbonisation of Japan’s maritime sector but also reinforcing the strength of Belgian Japanese innovation. We are deeply honoured by the royal presence and diplomatic support, which underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration for a cleaner future. We are proud that CMB.TECH’s reference projects, such as the Hydroville and Hydrotug 1, have helped pave the way for hydrogen technology in Japan and are now ready for further scale-up.”

Roy Campe, CTO of CMB.TECH (BeHydro)

“Our group regards global environmental conservation as one of its most important management issues and promotes the reduction of environmental burdens in its business activities. Under this agreement, we will contribute to the adoption of hydrogen engines by leveraging our knowledge and sales network in engine development and manufacturing, which we have built as an engine manufacturer. We will continue to work with our suppliers and business partners to achieve our major goal of net zero emissions and contribute to the development of a sustainable society.”

Yoshinobu Hotta, President and CEO of DAIHATSU INFINEARTH

“Since our founding, we have consistently engaged in the maintenance of internal combustion engines under the quality mission of “Keeping Japan’s vessels running.” Today, as a company responsible for servicing fossil-fuel-based engines, we recognise our important responsibility to contribute to the realisation of a decarbonised society. Going forward, we will actively support the creation of environments where hydrogen engines can operate safely and reliably, thereby contributing to the development of a sustainable society as part of our CSR initiatives.”

Shigeru Mizuno, President of Mizuno Marine