Yanmar Makes Breakthrough with High-Speed Hydrogen Engine for Coastal Vessels
Key Ideas
- Yanmar Power Technology successfully tests a pilot-ignition hydrogen 4-stroke engine for coastal vessels at a rated output of 500kW.
- The engine uses a small amount of diesel as pilot fuel to burn a hydrogen-air premixture, achieving the world's highest hydrogen fuel ratio.
- Future trials will involve biofuel as pilot fuel and aim to obtain class certification by 2026 for zero-emission operations.
Yanmar Power Technology in Osaka, Japan, has achieved a significant milestone by completing a successful land-based demonstration test of a pilot-ignition hydrogen 4-stroke high-speed engine for power generation in coastal vessels. The engine operated at a rated output of approximately 500 kW during the trial, setting a new industry standard. By utilizing a small quantity of diesel oil as pilot fuel to ignite a premixture of hydrogen and air, Yanmar's engine accomplished the highest hydrogen fuel ratio globally. The next phase of testing will focus on using biofuel as the pilot fuel, further advancing the company's zero-emission goals. Yanmar aims to secure class certification for demonstration operations planned for 2026, marking a significant step towards environmentally friendly maritime transportation. This breakthrough underscores Yanmar's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the marine industry, positioning them as a key player in the development of hydrogen technology for coastal vessels.