Yanmar - Experts & Thought Leaders

Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (Yanmar PT), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, has received an Approval in Principle (AiP) for its GH320FC Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System from the classification society, DNV. The GH320FC is designed as a next-generation power source for marine applications with an innovative design that facilitates easy installation on various types of vessels. The system also allows for multiple units to be connected in parallel and offers flexibility in the number of hydrogen fuel cell modules, enabling it to meet diverse power requirements across different ship types and operations. GH320FC Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System “We are excited about this new milestone in meeting our customers’ needs for sustainable clean energy solutions in the marine sector,” said Eric Tigelaar, Department Manager of the Commercial Marine Department at Yanmar Europe. Eric Tigelaar adds, “Our hydrogen fuel cell system is particularly well suited for applications, such as coastal passenger ferries, inland waterway cargo vessels, port service vessels and operations in low or zero emission zones across Europe.” Masaru Hirose, Director and General Manager of Large Power Products Business at Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd, stated: “This is a significant milestone in bringing our hydrogen fuel cell solutions to European customers. Drawing on our experience with previous installations, such as the hydrogen fuel cell system being used on a coastal passenger ferry currently in commercial operation in Japan, we believe our solutions can help the customers to achieve their decarbonisation goals.” Maritime industry pushes towards decarbonisation Olaf Drews, Head of Engines & Pressurised Equipment at DNV Maritime, remarked: “As the maritime industry pushes forward towards decarbonisation, we need to examine every option that offers full zero-emission operations. And fuel cells in combination with clean renewably produced fuels are a highly efficient and scalable power solution to meet this challenge.” Olaf Drews adds, “DNV is very pleased to award this AiP to Yanmar and to partner with such a future focused company to help set the stage for shipping’s next generation of vessels. We look forward to building on this great cooperation, working together to safely realise the benefits of this innovative technology for the maritime industry.”

Amogy, a provider of mature, scalable, and efficient ammonia-to-power solutions, announced that it raised $56 million in venture financing, bringing the total raised since inception to more than $270 million. The round was co-led by existing investor - Aramco Ventures and new investor - SV Investment.  Additional new investors Additional new investors participating in the round include Samsung Heavy Industries, BHP Ventures, Hanwha Investment & Securities, AFW Partners, Quantum Ventures Korea, Kibo Invest, and Seoul IP, along with existing investors Temasek, MOL Switch, Yanmar Ventures, AP Ventures, and Marunouchi Innovation Partners.  This financing follows the latest successful demonstration of Amogy’s ammonia-to-electrical power system, where it sailed the world’s first carbon-free, ammonia-powered maritime vessel in September 2024. High-performance power Amogy’s patented ammonia-powered system splits, or “cracks,” ammonia into its base elements In earlier demonstrations, the company successfully used its technology to power an aerial drone, commercial farm tractor, and semi-truck. Amogy’s patented ammonia-powered system splits, or “cracks,” ammonia into its base elements of hydrogen and nitrogen. The hydrogen is then funneled into a hydrogen-to-power system, either an integrated fuel cell or hydrogen engine, generating high-performance power with zero carbon emissions.  Safe, viable, and effective solution "Since our founding just four years ago we’ve been on a rapid trajectory to bring our innovative ammonia-to-power technology to hard-to-abate sectors like maritime and power," said Seonghoon Woo, CEO and Co-Founder of Amogy. He adds, "The latest technical demonstration — the successful sailing of the NH3 Kraken, our ammonia-powered tugboat — showcased that Amogy’s technology is a safe, viable, and effective solution for achieving decarbonisation goals in heavy industries." Ammonia-powered technology  Seonghoon Woo continues, "On the heels of this monumental achievement, we’re especially invigorated by the strong validation we’re receiving from premier investors representing a mix of industries who are supporting our rapid push towards commercialisation."  "The Amogy team has demonstrated exceptional progress in developing their ammonia-powered technology through a systematic and highly effective approach," said Ilyong Choi, Executive Vice President of SV Investment. Commitment to commercialisation Ilyong Choi adds, "Their unwavering commitment to commercialisation, coupled with a deep focus on research and development has instilled confidence among partners in the viability and adaptability of their solutions for diverse customer needs." Ilyong Choi further states, "Amogy’s strategic execution plan is set to bring their technology to the forefront of distributed generation and maritime applications, with impactful deployment expected at the right sites and timelines by 2026."  Sustainability strategy "Amogy's novel catalyst and reformer technology enables ammonia cracking at a significantly lower temperature and operating footprint, unlocking transportation use cases that were previously not operationally or economically feasible," said Laurel Buckner, Vice President of Ventures at BHP. Laurel Buckner adds, "With our investment, BHP Ventures deepens its commitment to technologies that drive innovation, reduce emissions, and support BHP’s broader sustainability strategy." Commercialising technology in key markets With this latest financing, the company will accelerate commercialising its technology in key markets, including maritime shipping and stationary power generation and will continue strengthening its research and development efforts and manufacturing capabilities.

Yanmar Marine International (YMI) has launched the E-Saildrive, its first electric propulsion product designed to provide an easy transition to emission-free sailing. E-Saildrive Launched globally at the Cannes Yachting Festival and Newport International Boat Show, the E-Saildrive range utilises a 'plug-and-play' platform for easy installation and connection. This, combined with an integrated gear, motor, motor controller, and cooling system, makes the switch to 100% electric boating quicker and easier. Installation and connection are simple. SDe7, SDe10, and SDe15 The drive is a drop-in replacement for a Yanmar YM engine, one of the most popular sailboat engines The E-Saildrive is available in three models – the SDe7, the SDe10, and the SDe15, delivering up to 15kW of power for sailboats under 40ft (depending on application and displacement). The drive is a drop-in replacement for a Yanmar YM engine, one of the most popular sailboat engines. SDe refit No hull modifications are needed making it easy for the boatbuilder to offer interchangeably or introduce an SDe refit. The power of choice is with the customer. As one of the world’s most established marine engine manufacturers, Yanmar is renowned for the reliability and performance of its HVO-approved combustion engines, and the E-Saildrive series is designed to this same standard of engineering. IPX7 waterproof rating Matching the advancements of the E-Saildrive is a new control system. The display unit is a bright and colorful 4.3” optically bonded TFT display with an IPX7 waterproof rating and anti-fog coating. Control heads are available as a side mount or top mount with a modern alloy design. With minimal maintenance compared to a combustion engine and access to the existing Yanmar global support network of 2,000 distributors and dealers in over 130 countries, it offers a solution for those new to boating and the more experienced sailor. 100% emissions-free sailing Floris Lettinga, Director of Sales and Marketing at Yanmar Marine International, said, "The launch of the E-Saildrive is a significant moment in our aim to reduce the environmental impact of sailing." Floris Lettinga adds, "Our integrated system has a host of innovative features to provide boaters with an easy switch to 100% emissions-free sailing. We are confident in the E-Saildrive’s engineering and will work with our network of dealers and distributors to ensure that technical support is available worldwide."