Yanmar Power Technology develops hydrogen-fueled 4-stroke high-speed engine

Yanmar Power Technology (YPT) has embarked on the development of a hydrogen-fueled 4-stroke high-speed engine for power generation for coastal vessels in Japan as part of the Nippon Foundation’s zero-emission ship demonstration experiment. The engine uses hydrogen as a fuel, emitting no CO₂ during combustion.

In parallel with the development of the hydrogen engine, YPT will also work on the creation of a hybrid electric propulsion vessel compatible with the hydrogen engine, combining hydrogen engine generators with batteries. The vessel design incorporates a container unit-type hydrogen power generation system on its upper deck. Uyeno Transtech, a Uyeno Group shipping company, will be responsible for the vessel’s development and construction.

To support the transition toward zero emissions in maritime operations, YPT aims to develop a pilot ignition engine that uses a small amount of pilot biofuel and hydrogen co-combustion, as well as a spark ignition hydrogen-only engine. The company plans to commence onshore verification tests in 2024 using a 6-cylinder hydrogen engine with pilot ignition, with the goal of conducting verification operations by 2026. Concurrently, YPT will conduct onshore verification tests using the spark ignition hydrogen-only engine. By approximately 2030, the company aims to achieve zero emissions for coastal vessels by promoting the adoption of hydrogen energy-based propulsion systems.

The Zero-Emission Ship Project, led by the Nippon Foundation, prioritizes the development of hydrogen-fueled ships to achieve carbon neutrality in the coastal shipping sector by 2050. Through this initiative, YPT aims develop hydrogen-powered vessels and conduct demonstration experiments.

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