Japan has achieved a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating a coastal tanker powered by a hydrogen-fired 4-stroke high-speed engine, marking a world first. This initiative is part of a research project sponsored by The Nippon Foundation aimed at decarbonizing the shipping industry. The tanker, named Kikou Maro, was specifically designed for hydrogen propulsion and launched on February 14, 2025, at the Fukuoka Shipbuilding Co. in Nagasaki. Measuring approximately 105 meters, the ship is equipped with two electric propulsion engines and was delivered to Uyeno TransTec in October 2025.
During a demonstration voyage on September 25, the tanker traveled about 20 miles in Osaka Bay, utilizing its hydrogen engine for a carbon-neutral operation. The Nippon Foundation reported that this voyage resulted in a reduction of approximately 1.2 tons of CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. The engine, developed by Yanmar Power Solutions, successfully operated at a rated output of around 500 kW during initial testing, which involved a small amount of diesel oil for pilot ignition.
The project also focused on developing the necessary engine, fuel supply systems, and hull design to obtain Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK, along with training materials for operating hydrogen-fueled vessels. This demonstration is seen as a crucial step toward the practical application of hydrogen technology in shipping, with Japan aiming for carbon neutrality in its domestic shipping sector by 2050.
In addition to the tanker, other projects under The Nippon Foundation’s Zero Emission Ship 2050 program include demonstrating hydrogen fuel cells on offshore wind turbine vessels and developing hydrogen engines for tugboats. The tanker team views its demonstration voyages as vital for advancing hydrogen technology, amidst similar initiatives occurring in Europe, such as the liquid hydrogen-fueled ferry MF Hydra in Norway and hydrogen-powered cruise ships under construction.
Related posts:
Decarbonizing Shipping: The Future of Cross-Border CO2 Transport in Asia-Pacific by 2050
Financiers Report Highlights Progress in Decarbonizing Shipping Finance
World’s First Ammonia-Fueled Two-Stroke Marine Engine Launched by WinGD
Four Battery-Electric Tugs to Be Built by Cochin Shipyard for Svitzer
