Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Tokyo’s Metropolitan Government showed off the first hydrogen-powered ferry in Tokyo Bay on Thursday.

With the support of the Japan Foundation and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Hydro Bingo set sail from the Hinode Pier terminal on Tokyo’s waterfront.

Hiroshima-based Tsuneishi Facilities & Crafts, Belgian company Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB) and shipping company Kambara Kisen developed the project, which makes it possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50 percent.

The vessel’s engine is propelled by a mixture of hydrogen and diesel. While pure hydrogen might be preferred, costs and storage difficulties make this difficult.

The Hydro Bingo took the Ship of the Year 2021 Award and was honored by the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Society of Japan in July for showing that hydrogen engines can work in the maritime field.

CMB and the Tsuneishi company now plan to build an ocean-going liner operating on the same principle of an engine that combines hydrogen and diesel.