Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Equipment Co., Ltd. (MHI-MME), in collaboration with Daihatsu Infinearth Mfg. Co., Ltd., has launched a one-year demonstration test of a methane oxidation catalyst system for LNG-fueled marine vessels, starting May 2025.
Reducing Methane Slip from LNG Marine Engines
The catalyst system is designed to oxidize slip methane—unburned methane present in exhaust gases—which is a highly potent greenhouse gas (GHG).
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Methane has over 80 times the warming potential of CO₂ over a 20-year period.
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The system has achieved an initial methane oxidation rate of over 70% in onshore testing, suggesting a substantial reduction in GHG emissions.
Onboard Testing on KEYS Azalea
The test is being conducted on KEYS Azalea, an LNG bunkering vessel built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and operated by KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd.
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The equipment was installed onboard for real-world operational validation.
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This vessel serves as an LNG refueling ship, allowing for realistic data collection in maritime conditions.
Multi-Company Technology Collaboration
The catalyst system is a result of a three-way collaboration:
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MHI-MME: Catalyst design and manufacturing
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Mitsubishi Shipbuilding: Marine system integration
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Daihatsu Infinearth: Engine optimization technology
The joint effort reflects a comprehensive approach to marine decarbonization through advanced emission-reduction technologies.
Supporting Global Decarbonization Efforts
This test aligns with MHI Group’s broader energy transition strategy, focused on developing technologies that reduce emissions across energy and transport sectors.
The system addresses methane slip, a key environmental concern for LNG-fueled ships, and could be pivotal in enhancing the sustainability of LNG as a marine fuel.
With real-time evaluation over a year, the catalyst system has the potential to set new standards in methane mitigation in shipping, supporting IMO and global efforts to lower maritime GHG emissions.
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Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
