Yanmar Holdings Successfully Tests Hydrogen-Fuelled Engine for Coastal Vessels
Key Ideas
- Yanmar Holdings has completed a successful land-based demonstration of a pilot-ignition hydrogen 4-stroke high-speed engine for coastal vessels.
- The engine achieved the world's highest hydrogen fuel ratio and an output of approximately 500 kW, showcasing the company's technological advancement.
- The firm is planning to conduct further tests in 2024 for a pilot-ignition 6-cylinder hydrogen engine and aims to lead in the adoption of hydrogen engine-compatible electric propulsion vessels.
- Yanmar Power Technology is also developing a 'spark-ignition' engine that will exclusively burn hydrogen, contributing to zero emissions in vessel operations.
Yanmar Holdings, an engineering firm, has successfully conducted a trial of a hydrogen-fuelled engine designed for coastal vessels. The company completed a land-based demonstration of a pilot-ignition hydrogen 4-stroke high-speed engine, utilizing a small amount of diesel as the ignition source to burn a premixture of hydrogen and air. This engine achieved the world's highest hydrogen fuel ratio and an output of around 500 kW. Yanmar Power Technology, a subsidiary, is working on developing similar engines that aim to achieve zero emissions by co-firing biofuel with hydrogen for ignition, and a 'spark-ignition' engine that will burn hydrogen exclusively. The company plans to begin land-based demonstration tests in 2024 for a pilot-ignition 6-cylinder hydrogen engine, with operational demonstrations slated for 2026. Yanmar Power Technology is concurrently conducting tests for a spark-ignition engine to pave the way for hydrogen engine-compatible electric propulsion vessels in the maritime industry. This successful trial marks a significant step in Yanmar's commitment to sustainable and innovative engine technology for marine vessels.