Japan’s Hydrogen-Fueled Coastal Tanker to Revolutionize Maritime Industry by 2026

A design project initiated in Japan in 2023 has achieved a significant milestone in the development of a hydrogen-fueled domestic coastal tanker. The project, sponsored by The Nippon Foundation, aims to have a demonstration vessel completed by 2025 and operational with a hydrogen-fueled engine by 2026. ClassNK has reviewed the designs created by Uyeno Transtech, Yanmar Power Technology, and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, resulting in the issuance of the first-ever approval in principle (AiP) certificate for an oil tanker utilizing liquid hydrogen as fuel.

Ulyeno has opted for liquid hydrogen due to its ability to store a larger amount of hydrogen, equivalent to around 2,500 standard hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Despite the benefits, challenges remain, such as the extremely low boiling point of liquid hydrogen at minus 253 degrees. The project initially focused on hydrogen power generation equipment on the upper deck, but plans to transition to a hydrogen fuel engine in the engine room as technology advances.

The new 4,500-ton vessel will feature a specially designed hull to accommodate the hydrogen plant and serve as a demonstration ship. With an estimated length of 100 meters and a capacity of 5,000 kiloliters, the vessel will be equipped with a high-speed, four-stroke engine expected to be completed by 2026. The hydrogen fuel tanks will be located on deck, replacing the original containerized system. The ultimate goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 6,000 tons per year once the vessel is in operation.

Source .