Japanese manufacturers Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yanmar Power Technology Company, and Japan Engine Corporation have formed a consortium to pursue joint development of hydrogen-fueled marine engines for ocean-going and coastal vessels.
The companies believe that, by cooperating on common fundamental technologies such as basic experiments and analysis on hydrogen combustion, materials, and sealing techniques, as well as classification society requirements, they will be able to supply hydrogen-fueled engines to the market by 2025.
Kawasaki will develop medium-speed four-stroke engines, Yanmar will focus on medium- and high-speed four-stroke engines, and Japan Engine Corporation will embark on the development of low-speed two-stroke engines. All three simultaneous developments will enhance the product lineup of propulsion and auxiliary (generator) engines for a wide range of vessels.
In addition, a hydrogen fuel storage and supply system will be developed as part of the integrated hydrogen fuel system.