CMB.TECH, a division of the Belgian shipping company Compagnie Maritime Belge, and Tsuneishi, a Japanese shipbuilding and maritime services company, have announced the launch of a new research and development center in Japan.
This center will focus on hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines (ICE). The collaborative venture seeks to advance the use of hydrogen as a cleaner alternative for maritime propulsion.
The R&D center will be located in Fukuyama, Japan, aiming to push the boundaries of hydrogen ICE technology by harnessing CMB.TECH’s expertise in hydrogen applications and Tsuneishi’s shipbuilding capabilities, the center hopes to achieve significant milestones in reducing the environmental impact of marine vessels.
Innovative partnership for sustainable shipping
CMB.TECH and Tsuneishi’s partnership represents an innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges in the shipping industry. This joint venture aims to leverage both companies’ strengths to explore new technologies and solutions that can make shipping more sustainable.
Fukuyama was chosen for strategic reasons
The choice of Fukuyama as the location for the R&D center was strategic. Fukuyama is home to one of Tsuneishi’s key shipbuilding facilities, providing easy access to necessary infrastructure and expertise. This setup will facilitate the rapid development and testing of new hydrogen ICE technologies.
Future of maritime propulsion
This initiative is part of a broader trend in the maritime industry to explore alternative fuels and propulsion systems. As regulations around emissions tighten, hydrogen and other clean energy sources are becoming increasingly important. The success of this R&D center could pave the way for the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel in shipping, setting a new standard for the industry.
