Pilot-ignition 6-cylinder hydrogen engine.
Pilot-ignition 6-cylinder hydrogen engine.

Press release -

Development of Hydrogen-Fueled 4-Stroke Engine Underway for Zero Emission Vessels

Osaka, Japan (January 9,2024) – Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (YPT), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., 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 utilizes 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 vessel, combining hydrogen engine generators with batteries. This innovative 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.

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.

The Zero-Emission Ship Project

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 to pioneer the development of hydrogen-powered vessels and conduct demonstration experiments.

Consortium members (6 as of June 2023)

As of June 2023, the consortium for this project includes:
  1. Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (representative)
  2. Uyeno TransTech Co., Ltd.,
  3. Kyoto University,
  4. Fukuoka Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.,
  5. Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and
  6. Mirai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

Responsibilities: 4. detailed vessel design and construction, 5. basic planning, 6. design and construction of hydrogen engine container generation units.

Rendering of hydrogen fuel engine electric propulsion ship. (Ship color to be decided.)

YPT's endeavor aligns with the organization's commitment to advancing sustainable marine operations and showcases their dedication to developing cutting-edge technologies for the future of the maritime industry.

About Yanmar

With beginnings in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, Yanmar was the first ever to succeed in making a compact diesel engine of a practical size in 1933. A pioneer in diesel engine technology, Yanmar is a global innovator in a wide range of industrial equipment, from small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, to machine tools, and components — Yanmar’s global business operations span seven domains. On land, at sea, and in the city, Yanmar provides advanced solutions to the challenges customers face, towards realizing A Sustainable Future. For more details, please visit the official website of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.

About the Uyeno Group

The Uyeno group is comprised of 35 companies engaged in the transportation, storage and sales of petroleum and chemical products essential for industrial and civic life, as well as being engaged in ventures related to solar energy and marine environments. Since our establishment in 1869, we have made vast contributions to societal development stretching over a variety of business fields and have accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise over a span of more than 150 years.

Release from Uyeno Transtech (Japanese):

About the Nippon Foundation

Share the pain. Share the hope. Share the future.
Since its founding in 1962, The Nippon Foundation, Japan’s largest philanthropic foundation, funded by the proceeds of Japanese motorboat racing, has pursued activities in a wide range of fields including support for children and persons with disabilities, disaster relief, ocean affairs, and humanitarian aid across racial and national borders.

Related links

Topics

Categories

Note: Information contained in the news release is valid at the time of publication and may differ from the most recently available information.

[Inquiries for further information]

Corporate Communications, Yanmar

newsroom@yanmar.com

Contacts

Paul Bartels

Paul Bartels

Press contact Marketing Communications Manager Marketing Division +1 (770) 877 7833

Related media Download images for media use

20230912-img-01-16_9
  • 20230912-img-01-16_9
  • License: Media Use
    The content may be downloaded by journalists, bloggers, columnists, creators of public opinion, etc. It can be used and shared in different media channels to convey, narrate, and comment on your press releases, posts, or information, provided that the content is unmodified. The author or creator shall be attributed to the extent and in the manner required by good practice (this means, for example, that photographers should be attributed).
  • File format: .jpg
  • Size: 1920 x 1080, 219 KB
Download
img_news_20230912_01_02
  • img_news_20230912_01_02
  • License: Media Use
    The content may be downloaded by journalists, bloggers, columnists, creators of public opinion, etc. It can be used and shared in different media channels to convey, narrate, and comment on your press releases, posts, or information, provided that the content is unmodified. The author or creator shall be attributed to the extent and in the manner required by good practice (this means, for example, that photographers should be attributed).
  • File format: .png
  • Size: 492 x 178, 47.4 KB
Download
img_news_20230912_01_03
  • img_news_20230912_01_03
  • License: Media Use
    The content may be downloaded by journalists, bloggers, columnists, creators of public opinion, etc. It can be used and shared in different media channels to convey, narrate, and comment on your press releases, posts, or information, provided that the content is unmodified. The author or creator shall be attributed to the extent and in the manner required by good practice (this means, for example, that photographers should be attributed).
  • File format: .jpg
  • Size: 600 x 264, 25.5 KB
Download
20230912-img-01
  • 20230912-img-01
  • License: Media Use
    The content may be downloaded by journalists, bloggers, columnists, creators of public opinion, etc. It can be used and shared in different media channels to convey, narrate, and comment on your press releases, posts, or information, provided that the content is unmodified. The author or creator shall be attributed to the extent and in the manner required by good practice (this means, for example, that photographers should be attributed).
  • File format: .jpg
  • Size: 693 x 645, 294 KB
Download

Related content

The 240kW maritime hydrogen fuel cell system.

Yanmar Makes First Delivery of Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System to Hybrid Passenger Ship

Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd, has made its first delivery of its newly commercialized maritime hydrogen fuel cell system, introduced in August 2023. This system was supplied to the passenger ship HANARIA, operated by MOTENA-Sea, a company backed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and other investors.

Maritime hydrogen fuel cell system

Yanmar to Commercialize Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System to Decarbonize Ships

Yanmar has successfully commercialized a maritime hydrogen fuel cell system to achieve decarbonization of the maritime industry. The company plans to propose the installation of this system on various ships, including passenger ships, work ships, and cargo ships operating in coastal areas where hydrogen refueling is relatively accessible.

Japanese Manufacturers Cooperate on Development of Hydrogen Fueled Marine Engines

Japanese Manufacturers Cooperate on Development of Hydrogen Fueled Marine Engines

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd., and Japan Engine Corporation formed a consortium of Japanese engine manufacturers to pursue joint development of hydrogen fueled marine engines for ocean-going and coastal vessels towards establishing a world-leading position in hydrogen engine technologies.

Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System (300kW)

Yanmar Power Technology Secures Japan’s First Approval in Principle for Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System

Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (Yanmar PT), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, has achieved a significant milestone as the first company in Japan* to receive the Approval in Principle (AiP) for its "Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System" from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), a prominent Japanese maritime association.

From sprawling fields to the oceans and our global cities, Yanmar is active in every part of the planet earth that touches our lives. Yanmar maintains an unparalleled reputation for reliability and efficiency based on the strength of its technologies in these domains. We provide innovative and diverse solutions creating new wealth and value for our customers and our community.

With beginnings in Osaka, Japan in 1912, Yanmar was the first ever to succeed in making a compact diesel engine of a practical size in 1933. Moving on, with industrial diesel engines as the cornerstone of the enterprise, Yanmar has continued to expand its product range, services, and expertise to deliver total solutions as an industrial equipment manufacturer. As a provider of small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, machine tools, and components — Yanmar’s global business operations span seven domains.
On land, at sea, and in the city, Yanmar’s Mission of “providing sustainable solutions focused on the challenges customers face, in food production and harnessing power, thereby enriching people’s lives for all our tomorrows,” stands testament to Yanmar’s determination to provide us with “A Sustainable Future”.

Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.
YANMAR FLYING-Y BUILDING, 1-32 Chayamachi, Kita-ku
530-8311 Osaka
Japan
Yanmar website
Y MEDIA
Business Domains