Yanmar fuel cell system gets DNV Type approval

Yanmar Power Solutions Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, announced that its maritime hydrogen fuel cell system (GH-FC series) has achieved Type Approval from classification society DNV, confirming that it complies with DNV’s rules and guidelines.

Award ceremony. From left: Eric Tigelaar (Yanmar Europe), Takehiro Maruyama (Yanmar Power Solutions), Oliver Darley (DNV Maritime), Masaru Hirose (Yanmar Power Solutions), Tomoyuki Murase (DNV Maritime), and Olaf Drews (DNV Maritime). (Photo: Yanmar)

The GH-FC Series is a maritime hydrogen fuel cell system developed specifically for vessel applications. It generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and is designed to serve as a next-generation power source that produces zero CO₂ emissions during operation. The system’s modular design enables flexible system configurations to meet a range of vessel requirements and power demands, with output options of 80, 160, 240 and 320 kW.

Yanmar been developing hydrogen fuel cell technologies since 2015. It commercialized its maritime fuel cell systems in 2023 and has continued to expand deployment in Japan through collaboration with shipowners, operators and local governments pursuing decarbonized marine transportation solutions.

Yanmar maritime hydrogen fuel cell system. (Photo: Yanmar)

DNV certification marks an important step in moving the technology from successful domestic deployment toward broader commercial adoption in international markets, the company stated.

“Achieving DNV Type Approval represents a major milestone in our journey to bring hydrogen-powered solutions to the marine market,” said Masaru Hirose, president and representative director of Yanmar Power Solutions Co., Ltd. “Building on our operational experience in Japan, we aim to support customers around the world in their transition to zero-emission operations and realize sustainable maritime transportation.”

Eric Tigelaar, department manager of Commercial Marine Department, Yanmar Europe, added, “This certification strengthens our ability to support customers throughout Europe and beyond who are seeking practical pathways toward decarbonization. The GH-FC series combines easy installation, operational flexibility, modularity and environmental performance, making it an attractive solution for a wide range of vessel applications.”