Queensland at the forefront of new energy technology

• Yanmar chooses Queensland to demonstrate renewable hydrogen fuel cell vessel
• The boat is a 12-metre-long cruiser powered by renewable hydrogen
• The demonstration is planned for the Port of Brisbane at the end of August

Japan’s leading maritime system manufacturer has chosen Queensland to demonstrate its 12-metre-long cruiser that is powered by the latest renewable hydrogen technology.

In a meeting in Japan on Friday with Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick, Yanmar announced it had chosen Brisbane to demonstrate its renewable hydrogen fuelled vessel.

The Japanese heavy diesel manufacturer selected Brisbane because of Queensland’s renewable hydrogen processing capabilities.

The vessel will be powered by renewable hydrogen produced at state-owned corporation CS Energy’s Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant.

The demonstration of the hydrogen fuel cell vessel will be unveiled at the Port of Brisbane in August 2024.

Yanmar toured marine and shipyard design facilities at the Port of Brisbane earlier this month and are in discussion with local boat manufacturers.

The vessels are the first renewable hydrogen fuelled boats approved by the Japanese Government and are expected to be used at the next World Expo, Osaka 2025.

Yanmar is a Japanese diesel engine, heavy machinery and agricultural machinery manufacturer, founded in Osaka in 1912. 

Quotes attributed to Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick:

“This is a very exciting industry-changing initiative to develop a renewable hydrogen fuel cell vessel. 

“The decision by Yanmar to choose Queensland reflects the state’s global reputation as a leader in renewable energy manufacturing and processing.

“Hosting the demonstration of this renewable hydrogen fuel cell vessel will provide invaluable experience to the Queensland maritime industry as it prepares to decarbonise.

“There are so many opportunities to work together on this project that will have many benefits for Queensland and Japan for years to come.”

Further information:

• Yanmar is decarbonising its operations to reach zero emissions by 2050.
• The company is developing a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) boat which uses a Toyota fuel cell and is set to announce its operation toward the end of 2023 in Japan. 
• Queensland is working towards being the first overseas destination for Yanmar FCV.
• The demonstration voyage, dubbed Project Maroon, will use green hydrogen from the Sunshine Coast based H2H Energy who is constructing the H2 refuelling station, CS Energy and Sojitz Kogan Creek hydrogen project. 
• Trade and Investment Queensland is the State Government’s international business agency with a network of 18 offices in 14 key markets to attract investment and drive exports.
• The agency also has eight regional Queensland offices and a Brisbane global headquarters.

ENDS

Media contact: Campbell Gellie 0433 987 744