Nippon Foundation completes world's first hydrogen-fired engine ship trial

The Nippon Foundation has announced the successful demonstration of the world’s first vessel equipped with a dedicated hydrogen-fired engine. During a two-hour voyage in Osaka Bay on September 25, the approximately 4,500-ton tanker, named Kikou Maru, traveled about 33 kilometers (20 miles).

The demonstration, aimed at decarbonizing the shipping industry, resulted in a reduction of approximately 1.2 tons of greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels. The vessel utilizes a hybrid propulsion system where a hydrogen engine, developed by Yanmar Power Solutions, generates electricity to power electric propulsion motors. This setup is supported by lithium-ion batteries to optimize fuel consumption and smooth the load.

The project involved a consortium including Yanmar Power Solutions, Fukuoka Shipbuilding, and Uyeno TransTeck. Future developments by the Nippon Foundation include designing and constructing new 5,000kL-type coastal tankers equipped with hydrogen engine power generation and fuel supply systems.