Antwerp-based maritime group Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB) and Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi Facilities & Craft (TFC) have joined forces to construct a hydrogen-powered ferry.
By combining TFC’s shipbuilding capabilities and CMB Technologies’ knowhow in marine hydrogen systems, both parties hope to build “a revolutionary ship that will be a milestone in the journey towards zero carbon emission shipping.”
After receiving the necessary regulatory approval, the ship will be built at TFC’s facilities in Onomichi, Japan, and is expected to be delivered in 2021.
As explained, the new development also supports Japan’s vision to become a leading hydrogen society by 2050.
CMB has accelerated its investments in hydrogen technologies as it recently acquired RTL which specializes in the engineering, development, prototyping, design and testing of automotive and marine engines.
RTL has been pioneering and developing hydrogen combustion engines (H2ICE) and systems for more than 10 years. The company has also developed the engines on board the CMB-owned Hydroville , the world’s first sea-going vessel with dual fuel diesel-hydrogen engines.
To be renamed CMB Revolve Technologies, the newly acquired company will focus on CMB’s hydrogen projects and continue to supply consultancy services to third party customers in the automotive and marine industries.