Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Cefmof) and Yamaha Motor are jointly advancing the use of hydrogen in marine applications through a Proof of Concept (PoC) project, with the Hydrogen Sauna Boat built in Jyväskylä serving as its technical test platform. The project explores how hydrogen can be utilised for electricity generation, electric propulsion, and other onboard energy applications, including heating the sauna and cooking. The objective is to gain practical experience with technologies that can support future marine applications.
Yamaha Motor has been involved in the development of the Hydrogen Sauna Boat from the very beginning by supplying its HARMO electric boat control system and providing technical support for its integration into the vessel. The collaboration develops and tests solutions in which electricity generated by hydrogen fuel cells, electric propulsion, and other hydrogen-based energy applications work together as one integrated system. The objective is to gain practical experience with emerging technologies and evaluate their suitability for a wide range of applications on the water.
“For us, the Hydrogen Sauna Boat is first and foremost a technical test platform where we can develop and evaluate new ways of using hydrogen in real operating conditions. Practical experience is essential to understanding where hydrogen can provide added value in future marine applications. The Hydrogen Sauna Boat enables us to develop an integrated system in which hydrogen storage, electricity generation, electric propulsion, and other hydrogen-based energy applications operate together in a real-life environment. Projects like this are not about developing a single vessel; they are about building expertise and practical knowledge that can be applied much more broadly,” says Haruka Arai, Executive Director of Cefmof.
In addition to advancing technology, the project helps increase understanding of hydrogen through practical applications and supports Cefmof’s goal of building a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem together with its partners.
Hydrogen Sauna Boat serves as a development platform for new hydrogen technologies
The Hydrogen Sauna Boat has not been developed simply as a new type of watercraft, but above all as a technical test platform for evaluating the use of hydrogen in different marine energy applications. The same platform enables testing of hydrogen for electricity generation, electric propulsion, and other onboard energy-demanding functions. The aim is to generate practical experience that can contribute to the future development of hydrogen technologies for marine use.
The Hydrogen Sauna Boat utilises hydrogen in several different ways. A hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity for the vessel’s four Yamaha HARMO electric boat control systems as well as for other onboard electrical systems. In addition, hydrogen is used directly to heat the sauna and power the hydrogen grill. This integrated test platform makes it possible to evaluate hydrogen across a variety of energy applications within a single operating environment.
With approximately one kilogram of hydrogen, the vessel can provide an approximately two-hour experience combining a cruise, a hydrogen sauna, and a hydrogen-powered grill. At the harbour, the hydrogen cartridges can be quickly replaced, allowing the vessel to be prepared for its next departure with minimal turnaround time.
Yamaha Motor’s HARMO is an electric boat control system designed to provide quiet, comfortable operation on the water. Its rim-drive propulsion system delivers highly efficient thrust, particularly at low speeds, while offering excellent manoeuvrability. The low vibration and quiet operation create a pleasant onboard experience and a peaceful environment for passengers enjoying the Hydrogen Sauna Boat.
The first demonstrations of the Hydrogen Sauna Boat will begin during Rally Finland week in Jyväskylä, when the vessel will be presented to media and stakeholders for the first time.
“This is Yamaha Motor’s first public announcement of this project using electricity generated from hydrogen to power our HARMO electric boat steering and propulsion system, and we are pleased to work together with the Cefmof team on this innovative project in Finland. This project aligns with Yamaha Motor’s multi-pathway approach for sustainability and achieving carbon neutrality, and by testing and evaluating the potential of hydrogen as an energy source through this collaboration, we aim to reduce our environmental impact as well as create new value,” says Takayuki Sato, Chief General Manager, Technology, Research & Design Center, Yamaha Motor.
Marine applications offer new opportunities for hydrogen technologies
Hydrogen is expected to complement low-emission energy solutions in applications where energy demand, operating profiles, or environmental conditions require alternatives to conventional solutions. Marine applications represent one such area, making practical testing of new technologies particularly important.
At this stage, the objective of the Proof of Concept (PoC) project is not to develop a commercial product, but to generate knowledge and practical experience that support the further development of hydrogen technologies. The Hydrogen Sauna Boat provides an opportunity to evaluate hydrogen in real operating conditions and to gain experience that can contribute to a wide range of future marine applications.
Safety is a key design principle
Safety has been a fundamental consideration throughout the design of the Hydrogen Sauna Boat. The hydrogen system has been designed to minimise the risk of leaks, while hydrogen concentrations are continuously monitored using gas detection sensors. If a leak is detected, the hydrogen supply is automatically shut off. Safety is further enhanced through continuous ventilation and multiple complementary technical safety measures designed to prevent hydrogen accumulation and minimise potential risks.
Hydrogen Sauna Boat briefly
Proof of Concept (PoC) development project
- Technical test platform for hydrogen technologies in marine applications
- Length: 14.36 m
- Beam: 4.36 m
- Maximum number of persons: 12
- Propulsion system: 4 × Yamaha HARMO electric control systems
- Electricity generated by a hydrogen fuel cell
- Hydrogen is also used to heat the sauna and power the grill
- Approximately a two-hour operating experience with around one kilogram of hydrogen
- Hydrogen cartridges can be quickly replaced at the harbour for the next departure
About Cefmof
The Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Cefmof) was founded by the City of Jyväskylä, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, and Toyota Mobility Foundation. Cefmof’s mission is to accelerate the development of sustainable mobility and urban planning by harnessing green hydrogen, particularly in ways that are visible in people’s everyday lives.
The foundation’s core activities include experience-based development, innovation, and ecosystem building. It supports projects such as hydrogen-based transportation and the related infrastructure. www.cefmof.org
About Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Yamaha Motor (TOKYO: 7272) aims to offer new excitement and a more fulfilling life for people all over the world under its corporate mission to be a Kando Creating Company.
Since our founding in July 1955, we have called on our core competencies of powertrains, chassis and hulls, electronic control, and manufacturing in order to deliver to customers across the globe a wide variety of Kando-creating products born of our unique sense and technologies.
Today, we are engaged in a multitude of businesses: the Land Mobility business encompasses our trademark motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, electrically power-assisted bicycles, and other vehicles; the Marine Products business offers boats, outboard motors, and more; the Robotics business handles surface mounters, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and other industrial machinery; and the Financial Services business provides product financing and related services. https://global.yamaha-motor.com/
Read also: Hydrogen Sauna Boat project
