Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) has completed development of what it says is the world’s first hydrogen-fueled main engine for a large commercial vessel, marking another major milestone ahead of full-scale sea trials.
The low-speed two-stroke 6UEC35LSGH engine was unveiled at J-ENG’s Akashi factory after completing a series of factory tests. During testing, the engine achieved a hydrogen co-firing ratio of more than 95%.
According to Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), greenhouse gas emissions were more than 95% lower than those produced by a comparable engine operating on heavy fuel oil.
The new engine uses high-pressure direct hydrogen injection to achieve stable combustion and provide the power required for operation on a large commercial vessel.
The engine will be installed onboard a 17,500-ton multipurpose vessel currently being built by Onomichi Dockyard for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) as part of Japan’s Blue Harmony project.
The engine is scheduled to begin operation onboard the vessel in January next year, while full demonstration voyages with the completed ship are expected to start in April 2028.
Several major Japanese industrial companies are involved in the project. Kawasaki Heavy Industries is developing the vessel’s hydrogen fuel supply system, while Yanmar Power Solutions is working on hydrogen-fueled auxiliary engines.
Classification society ClassNK is carrying out safety assessments throughout the project, covering engine development, vessel design, construction and future operation.
The program forms part of Japan’s Green Innovation Fund, which supports the development of technologies for ocean-going ships with zero or significantly reduced emissions.
The development of the hydrogen engine highlights how quickly the maritime industry is moving toward alternative fuels. Hydrogen is increasingly viewed as one of the most promising options for deep decarbonization of shipping, particularly for large commercial vessels where fully electric propulsion remains difficult to implement.
Japan Engine Corporation is also developing low-speed marine engines powered by ammonia, allowing the company to pursue several potential zero-carbon fuel technologies for the future of commercial shipping.
