Ghent, Belgium | February 2026 – In a move that signals a new era for zero-emission shipping, BeHydro has announced that its first 100% hydrogen-powered engine has officially passed type approval testing with Lloyd’s Register. The engine also successfully completed its Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), clearing the final regulatory hurdles for large-scale maritime and industrial deployment.
BeHydro, the joint venture between Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC) and CMB.TECH, has developed a spark-ignited, medium-speed engine that offers a direct solution to the shipping industry’s decarbonization challenge. The approved unit operates at 900 RPM and delivers a robust 900 kW of power.
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A Breakthrough in Clean Propulsion
Unlike dual-fuel engines that require a pilot injection of liquid fuel, the BeHydro mono-fuel range operates on 100% hydrogen, resulting in zero CO2 emissions.
“We are convinced about the power of hydrogen as a key to sustainable shipping and, by extension, to energy transition,” said BeHydro.
Key Technical Specifications
The engine platform is designed for heavy-duty applications, providing high reliability without the need for the rare-earth materials (such as lithium or platinum) found in battery or fuel cell technologies.
| Feature | 100% Hydrogen (Mono-fuel) | Dual-fuel (H2 + Liquid Fuel) |
| CO2 Reduction | 100% | Up to 85% |
| Power Range | 600 kW – 2,670 kW | 600 kW – 2,670 kW |
| Emission Standards | EU Stage V (without SCR/DPF) | EU Stage V (with EATS) |
| Service Life | +200,000 hours | +200,000 hours |
| Fuel Flexibility | Pure or less-purified H2 | Automatic switch to 100% Diesel |
Scalable Solutions for the Global Fleet
The BeHydro range is not limited to a single model. The company has developed a comprehensive lineup of 6- and 8-cylinder inline engines, as well as 12- and 16-cylinder V-engines, to suit various industrial needs:
- 6 DZ(D) H2: Up to 1,000 kW (1,360 HP)
- 8 DZ(D) H2: Up to 1,335 kW (1,810 HP)
- 12 DZ(D) H2: Up to 2,000 kW (2,720 HP)
- 16 DZ(D) H2: Up to 2,670 kW (3,630 HP)
Beyond the Horizon: Marine, Rail, and Power
While the Lloyd’s Register approval is a massive win for the marine sector, where these engines can power tugboats, ferries, and coastal vessels, BeHydro is also targeting:
- Electrical Power: Emission-free land-based or offshore power generation.
- Tractive Power: Repowering locomotives on non-electrified railway tracks.
The dual-fuel variant remains a critical “bridge” technology, allowing shipowners to utilize hydrogen where available while retaining the ability to switch to conventional fuels automatically when bunkering infrastructure is limited.
Environmental and Economic Impact
By utilizing proven internal combustion technology adapted for hydrogen, BeHydro avoids the environmental damage associated with extracting scarce raw materials. Furthermore, the engines are designed for a 200,000+ hour lifetime, offering a competitive total cost of ownership compared to emerging green technologies.
About BeHydro: A Belgian Powerhouse for Green Innovation
BeHydro is a strategic joint venture between two Belgian maritime and industrial leaders: Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC) and CMB.TECH. By merging the technical heritage of a world-class engine manufacturer with the forward-thinking vision of a global shipowner, BeHydro is spearheading the energy transition for the world’s most demanding heavy-duty industries.
Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC) – Engineering Excellence Since 1912
Based in Ghent, ABC has over a century of expertise in designing and manufacturing medium-speed engines. Known for their durability and “heavy-duty” reliability, ABC engines power everything from freight transport to international power plants.
- Expertise: Power ranges from 600 kW to 10.5 MW.
- Focus: Durability, simplicity of design, and the development of low-carbon/hybrid systems.
- Reach: 90% of ABC’s products are exported globally, supporting critical infrastructure in the harshest environments.
CMB.TECH – Pioneers of the Carbon Transition
CMB.TECH is the cleantech division of the CMB Group, a diversified maritime giant with a fleet of over 150 ocean-going vessels. CMB.TECH is dedicated to the “decarbonization of today,” focusing on the large-scale deployment of hydrogen and ammonia-powered applications.
- Infrastructure: Beyond ship design, CMB.TECH is actively building the green fuel supply chain, including major ammonia offtake agreements and bunkering infrastructure planned for 2026.
- Philosophy: As CEO Alexander Saverys notes, hydrogen is the “key to sustainable shipping” and the broader global energy transition.
Why BeHydro?
The collaboration between ABC and CMB.TECH allows BeHydro to bridge the gap between technological possibility and commercial reality. Their hydrogen engines are designed to be:
- Resource-Efficient: No reliance on scarce raw materials like lithium, cobalt, or platinum.
- Adaptable: Suitable for marine propulsion, railway traction, and land-based power generation.
- Future-Proof: Offering a bridge from 85% carbon reduction (Dual Fuel) to 100% zero-emissions (Mono Fuel).
Source: BeHydro