World’s First 100% Hydrogen Marine Engine is In Development and Ready for Deployment

 

     BeHydro, a partnership between the Anglo Belgian Corporation and Compagnie Maritime Belge, is developing the world’s first 100% hydrogen marine engine. According to Slash Gear:

“Lloyd's Register has awarded BeHydro's all-hydrogen, spark-ignited marine engine a Type Approval Certificate. According to Lloyd's Register, this means that the engine meets the necessary safety, performance, and reliability standards for use in marine settings. In other words, the engine is ready to safely hit the water as an alternative engine type for industrial shipping.”

     Hydrogen is commonly used in hybrid engines in combination with diesel and other hydrocarbons. I recently reported on JCB’s 100% hydrogen internal combustion engine, which was recently approved for sale in the E.U. and the U.S.

“BeHydro's hydrogen engines generate between 1,000 and 2,670 kilowatts, depending on the variant, making them viable as primary engines or auxiliary power sources aboard fossil-fuel vessels. While diesel-powered marine engines can still deliver significantly more power, research into hydrogen engines continues to show promise, with a record-setting hydrogen engine even delivering diesel-like performance with up to 60% efficiency.”     

     Widespread adoption of hydrogen as a marine fuel is likely many years away, as there is a lack of refueling facilities and other infrastructure. Hydrogen is difficult to store and transport. It also has a significantly lower energy density than fossil fuels, so higher volumes are required.  

    

References:

 

World's first 100% hydrogen marine engine is one step closer to being ready for use. Shane O'Neill. Slash Gear. June 24, 2026. World's first 100% hydrogen marine engine is one step closer to being ready for use