Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB), based in Antwerp, and Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi Facilities & Craft (TFC) announced their collaboration to construct a hydrogen-powered ferry.
According to the statement, TFC will bring its state-of-the-are shipbuilding expertise, whereas CMB Technologies will bring their knowledge on marine hydrogen systems.
both parties hope to build a revolutionary ship that will be a milestone in the journey towards zero carbon emission shipping.
Both partners await for the regulatory approval, so that they begin constructing the vessel at TFC’s facilities in Onomichi, Japan, which is expected to be delivered in 2021.
The new development comes in line with Japan’s aim to become a leading hydrogen society by 2050, as also Japan’s move on designating eleven offshore wind areas.
To be renamed CMB Revolve Technologies, the newly acquired company will focus on CMB’s hydrogen projects and continue to supply consultancy services to third party customers in the automotive and marine industries.
In light of a greener shipping industry, ferry company Norled and the shipyard Westcon have signed a contract for the construction of two new ferries. One of them will be the world’s first car ferry that sails on hydrogen and the other will be a battery-powered ferry.