Japan's First Liquefied Hydrogen-Powered Tanker Project Advances
Key Ideas
- ClassNK approves design concept for a small hydrogen-fuelled oil tanker with an electric propulsion system by Uyeno Transtech, Yanmar, and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding.
- The project is part of the zero-emission ships initiative sponsored by the Nippon Foundation, contributing to decarbonisation efforts.
- Japan's Basic Hydrogen Strategy highlights hydrogen as a fossil fuel alternative, focusing on achieving decarbonisation goals in the maritime industry.
- Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) receives approval for a multipurpose ship equipped with a low speed two-stroke hydrogen-fuelled engine, a first in the industry.
In Japan, a pioneering project is underway to develop the world’s first tanker powered by liquefied hydrogen. ClassNK has granted approval in principle (AiP) for the design concept of a small hydrogen-fuelled oil tanker with an electric propulsion system. This innovative design is a collaborative effort involving Uyeno Transtech, Yanmar, and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding. The initiative is part of a zero-emission ships project supported by the Nippon Foundation, aligning with Japan's focus on decarbonisation. Additionally, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has been awarded AiP for a multipurpose ship that features a low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fuelled engine as its primary propulsion system, marking a significant milestone in the industry. Japan's Basic Hydrogen Strategy further emphasizes the importance of hydrogen as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, emphasizing its role in achieving decarbonisation objectives in the maritime sector.