Tue 8 Sep 2026, 09:00 GMT | Updated: Tue 8 Sep 2026, 09:03 GMT

Yanmar Maritime receives DNV type approval for hydrogen fuel cell system at SMM


The GH-FC series certification is aimed at easing adoption of hydrogen propulsion across vessel types.


Yanmar Maritime awarded DNV type approval for fuel cell system.
DNV’s type approval of Yanmar’s GH-FC series hydrogen fuel cell system is aimed at lowering barriers to adoption of zero-emission technology in commercial shipping. Pictured from left to right: Eric Tigelaar, Yanmar Europe; Takehiro Maruyama, Yanmar Power Solution; Oliver Darley, DNV; Masaru Hirose, Yanmar Power Solution; Tomoyuki Murase, DNV; and Olaf Drews, DNV, during the DNV type approval award ceremony for Yanmar Maritime’s fuel cell system. Image credit: DNV

Yanmar Power Solutions Co., Ltd. has received type approval (TA) from classification society DNV for its maritime hydrogen fuel cell system, with the certification awarded at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg.

The approval covers Yanmar's GH-FC series and confirms the system complies with DNV's rules and guidelines, which DNV notes is intended to allow shipbuilders, system integrators and vessel operators to adopt the technology with a reduced certification burden for future projects.

Masaru Hirose, President and Representative Director of Yanmar Power Solutions Co., Ltd., commented: "Achieving DNV type approval represents a major milestone in our journey to bring hydrogen-powered solutions to the marine market. Building on our operational experience in Japan, we aim to support customers around the world in their transition to zero-emission operations and realise sustainable maritime transportation."

Eric Tigelaar, Department Manager of Commercial Marine at Yanmar Europe, said: "This certification strengthens our ability to support customers throughout Europe and beyond who are seeking practical pathways toward decarbonisation. 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."

Olaf Drews, Head of Engines & Pressurised Equipment at DNV Maritime, remarked: "We are very pleased to continue our cooperation with Yanmar and award them this latest type approval for their GH-FC series. Every step demonstrates the growing maturity of hydrogen fuel cell technology and continues to build confidence in the market and showcase its readiness for broader commercial applications."

Yanmar Power Solutions is a Japanese Yanmar Holdings subsidiary that designs, manufactures, sells and services large engines for marine propulsion, auxiliary-power and land-based power-generation applications. Formed from Yanmar Power Technology’s large-power-products business, it is developing more efficient multi-fuel solutions — including hydrogen- and methanol-capable technologies — to support decarbonisation in shipping and power generation.



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