A consortium of Japanese tech firms has completed trials of a marine hydrogen engine.
The land-based tests took place at Japan Engine Corp’s facilities, in partnership with Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Yanmar Power Solutions.
Launched in 2020 with government support, the project has seen partners develop a liquid hydrogen fuel supply system.
Under the ¥2trn fund, Kawasaki Heavy is developing an eight-cylinder medium-speed four-stroke engine.
Yanmar is developing a smaller four-stroke engine, while Japan Engine Co is working on a low-speed two-stroke engine.
Initial trials have been conducted on the two four-stroke engines, while Japan Engine expects to begin tests in early 2026.
After land-based trials, the three companies expect to team up with shipowners and shipyards to conduct onboard trials
Last month, J-Eng announced the completion of tests on its first ammonia dual-fuel engine.
Tests on the 50-bore, seven-cylinder engine were completed over the summer, and it is now slated for a midsize gas carrier under construction at Japan Marine United’s Ariake yard.
The yard is listed as building a single 40,000-cbm gas carrier for NYK, which will be operated by Yara Clean Ammonia.
This vessel is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.
The engine maker is also developing a larger 60-bore ammonia dual-fuel engine.