Yanmar is developing 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 hydrogen engine development, YPT will also work on the creation of a hydrogen engine-compatible hybrid electric propulsion vesselIMG_2878-150x150.jpeg, combining hydrogen engine generators with batteries.

This  vessel design incorporates a container unit-type hydrogen power generation system on its upper deck. Uyeno TransTech Co., Ltd., a shipping company in the Uyeno Group, will be responsible for the vessel’s development and construction.

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To support the transition towards zero emissions in maritime operations, YPT aims to develop a pilot ignition engine that utilizes 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, they aim to achieve zero emissions for coastal vessels by promoting the adoption of hydrogen energy-based propulsion systems.

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The “Zero-Emission Ship Project,” led by the Nippon Foundation, prioritises the development of hydrogen-fueled ships to achieve carbon neutrality in the coastal shipping sector by 2050.

Through this initiative, YPT aims to pioneer the development of hydrogen-powered vessels and conduct demonstration experiments.

The consortium for this project includes:

Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (representative)
Uyeno TransTech Co., Ltd.,
Kyoto University,
Fukuoka Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.,
Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and
Mirai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Responsibilities: 4. detailed vessel design and construction, 5. basic planning, 6. design and construction of hydrogen engine container generation units.