Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yanmar Power Solutions, and Japan Engine Corporation have achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the world’s first land-based operation of marine hydrogen engines. This demonstration occurred at Japan Engine’s headquarters, utilizing a newly developed liquefied hydrogen fuel supply system designed by Kawasaki. This system stores and gasifies liquid hydrogen, providing fuel at various pressures for testing different engine types, including low-speed two-stroke and four-stroke engines.
Both Kawasaki and Yanmar demonstrated hydrogen combustion in medium-speed four-stroke engines, achieving stable operation at rated output while moving towards zero emissions. Ongoing development aims to enhance engine performance further. Meanwhile, Japan Engine is advancing its low-speed two-stroke hydrogen engine, with operations slated to begin in Spring 2026.
A key feature of these engines is their ability to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational flexibility through a dual-fuel system that can switch between hydrogen and diesel. Following successful land-based trials, the companies plan to collaborate with shipowners and shipyards for onboard testing, paving the way for practical implementation. This initiative is part of the Green Innovation Fund Projects by NEDO, focusing on next-generation ship development.
