Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), Yanmar Power Solutions Co., Ltd. (Yanmar Power Solutions) and Eneos Corporation have agreed to install a hydrogen fuel cell system aboard a new dining cruise ship scheduled to enter service in 2027.

The vessel is set to succeed Lady Crystal, currently operated by the NYK Group in the Tennoz Isle area of Tokyo, and will measure approximately 48.0 metres in length overall, with a beam of approximately 9.5 metres, a draft of approximately 2.1 metres and a gross tonnage of approximately 480 tonnes.

The hydrogen fuel cell system will be designed by Yanmar Power Solutions and integrated into the vessel using hydrogen storage modules provided by Toyota Motor Corporation as part of the fuel supply system. According to the companies, the system uses hydrogen to generate electricity and emits no greenhouse gases (GHG) or nitrogen oxides (NOx) during operation.

In preparation for the installation, NYK notes that it conducted verification in accordance with safety guidelines for hydrogen fuel cell ships established by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), confirming the system’s safety and reliability.

Eneos, which operates hydrogen stations across Japan, will be responsible for hydrogen production at refuelling stations — primarily located in Tokyo — and for supplying hydrogen to the storage modules. The company says it will draw on its experience in developing and operating hydrogen stations to ensure both safety and a stable supply.

The three firms noted that the project aims to advance the practical application of hydrogen in the maritime sector and contribute to the decarbonisation of the shipping industry.