- Future Zero-Emission Trials Planned Using Biofuel as Pilot Fuel.
- Nippon Foundation Leads Project for Hydrogen-Powered, Zero-Emission Ships.
- Yanmar Develops Hybrid Electric Propulsion Vessel with Hydrogen Technology.
On October 30, 2024, in Osaka, Japan, The third and last land test of the pilot-ignition hydrogen 4-stroke high-speed engine, a power generation engine for coastal vessels designed for use in the zero-emission ship demonstration experiment undertaken by the Nippon Foundation, was completed successfully at the Yamaguchi site, reports Yanmar.
Pilot-Ignition Hydrogen Engine
The pilot-ignition hydrogen engine works by using a small volume of diesel oil as a pilot fuel for the combustion of the hydrogen and air mixture. With this, it achieved the highest hydrogen fuel ratio in the world, making Yanmar the leader in the industry.
Future Plans for Zero-Emission Trials
Yanmar Power Technology will continue zero-emission trials using biofuel. Furthermore, the company will continue moving toward class certification for demonstration operations scheduled for 2026 in a bid to drive further the sustainable maritime solutions it advocates for.
Overview of the Zero-Emission Ship Project
The Nippon Foundation leads the Zero-Emission Ship Project. The focus is on the development concerning hydrogen-powered zero-emission vessels and related technological advancements.
In addition to hydrogen engine development, the company is designing a hybrid electric propulsion vessel with hydrogen engine generators and batteries. The design features a container unit type of hydrogen power generation system on an upper deck and has engaged Uyeno Transtech Co., Ltd., a part of the Uyeno Group, to undertake the overall development and construction of the vessel.
Contribution by Yanmar Power Technology
Yanmar Power Technology is developing the pilot-ignition hydrogen engine and designing a similar engine which, by co-firing a small quantity of biofuel with hydrogen for ignition, will be zero emission. A “spark-ignition” engine is also being developed for burning hydrogen only in vessel operations until hydrogen infrastructure becomes more readily available.
Land-based demonstrations for the pilot-ignition 6-cylinder hydrogen engine will begin in 2024, followed by demonstration activities in 2026. In parallel with this land-based testing of the hydrogen engine, Yanmar would also be conducting parallel tests. It is for the spark ignition engine to pave the road for hydrogen-compatible electric vessels.
Zero Emission Coastal Vessels
The activities of Yanmar mark one of the company’s engagements with realizing zero-emission solutions for coastal vessels. Estimated, the goal will be realized by about 2030. This cooperation between Yanmar and others are consortium members such as Ueno Transtech Co., Ltd., Kyoto University, Fukuoka Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Mirai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., National Maritime Research Institute, among others.
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Source: Yanmar
