On September 4, 2024, JPNH₂YDRO, a joint venture between Belgian shipowner CMB.TECH and Japanese companies Tsuneishi and Kambara Kisen, launched a new research & development (R&D) center in Japan to propel hydrogen development. The center, officially inaugurated on this date, aims to bring hydrogen engines to the market, focusing on applications for ships and land-based heavy-duty purposes. These engines, once fully developed, are intended to be integrated into vessels manufactured by Tsuneishi. The R&D site is well-equipped with an engine test bench featuring precise measurement tools and a hydrogen station capable of supplying hydrogen for ships undergoing testing. CMB.TECH expressed that this R&D Center's establishment signifies a significant leap in Japan's hydrogen engine development and serves as a crucial hub for approving hydrogen dual-fuel engines for the local market, reinforcing JPNH₂YDRO's stance in promoting cleaner energy solutions. The joint venture, formed in 2021, targets the advancement of hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2ICE) technology tailored for the Japanese industrial and marine sectors. Additionally, in the same year, CMB.TECH and Tsuneishi completed the construction of the world's first hydrogen-fueled small passenger ferry, named Hydro Bingo. This 19-ton two-deck passenger ferry features a hydrogen co-firing engine that combines hydrogen with diesel fuel. Constructed from aluminum alloy, the 19.4-meter-long catamaran has a capacity to transport 80 passengers and two crew members, showcasing a commitment to sustainable maritime practices and innovative energy solutions.