Structure
How the hydrogen fuel cell ship works
What is a hydrogen fuel cell ship?
The hydrogen fuel cell ship is powered by hybrid propulsion combining electricity generated by a fuel cell with plug-in electricity.
The fuel cell system uses atmospheric oxygen and hydrogen, the ultimate in clean energy, and achieves zero emissions of CO₂ during operation.
The drive system also eliminates engine vibrations and fuel odors for a smooth and pleasant ride.
A crucial aspect of public trials of the hydrogen fuel cell ship involves optimizing the energy supply system.
Charging and consumption test data collected and analyzed in partnership with organizations such as The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology is used for energy management to achieve greater efficiency in operation.
How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work
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Hydrogen fuel cells are electric generators that produce electricity from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The mechanism is the reverse of the water electrolysis process we learned about in science class. The only materials needed to generate electricity are hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen. The only byproduct is water, meaning zero emissions of CO₂ or other greenhouse gases, making this a clean way of generating energy that is drawing growing interest.
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Iwatani has already established 51 hydrogen-refueling stations*1 across Japan, which serve fuel cell vehicles and buses, as well as the forklift trucks used at airports. To operate the hydrogen fuel cell ship at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, Iwatani has built a hydorogen-refusing station for ships. This station will feature a dedicated arm to allow refueling of docked vessels even in conditions subject to wave motion, and include electric charging capabilities. This will be the first hydrogen-refueling station for ships in Japan*2, and is anticipated to be a significant step toward making a hydrogen-powered society a reality.
*1: As of Mar.31,2025
*2: According to Iwatani data, as of Mar.31,2025
