According to Splash247, a large, low-speed two-stroke engine designed for oceangoing commercial vessels has successfully operated on hydrogen in factory testing. The engine, developed by Japan Engine Corporation and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, utilized hydrogen co-firing across all its cylinders, with hydrogen constituting over 95% of the fuel at full load.

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This project represents a progression from prior initiatives, which were typically confined to smaller ships on shorter routes. The current effort is part of a state-backed program involving several entities, including Mitsui OSK Lines, MOL Drybulk, Onomichi Dockyard, and the classification society ClassNK. It uniquely pairs a high-output two-stroke engine with liquefied hydrogen fuel, aiming to support longer voyages and heavier cargo operations.

Additional testing is scheduled to improve the engine’s performance. It is slated for delivery in January 2027 and will be installed on a multipurpose vessel under construction at Onomichi Dockyard. Kawasaki Heavy Industries is concurrently creating the onboard hydrogen fuel supply system for the ship.

Following installation, the vessel is anticipated to begin a three-year demonstration phase starting in 2028. During this period, it will be operated by Mitsui OSK Lines and its dry bulk division, with ClassNK providing safety oversight throughout the development and trial processes.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform