Japanese builder delivers world’s first hydrogen-fueled ferry

By Baird Maritime - July 14, 2021.

Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi Facilities and Craft has delivered a new 19-metre catamaran ferry powered by dual-fuel engines that can also operate on hydrogen.

With an aluminium hull and capacity for 80 passengers, HydroBingo will be operated by Japanese-Belgian joint venture company JPN H2YDRO.

The builder has claimed that the new ferry is the first purpose-built small passenger vessel in the world to be powered by hydrogen.

HydroBingo is also equipped with a CO2 emission reduction system developed by CMB Group. Tsuneishi said that the system can help ensure CO2 emissions reductions of as much as 50 per cent compared to diesel-powered ferries of similar size and capacity.

The ferry’s two 441kW engines deliver a maximum speed of 23 knots.