# Japanese maritime hydrogen engine development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-maritime-hydrogen-engine-development > Updated: 2026-10-26T02:04:38.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry in Japan have progressed through successful engine trials and new technological developments. In late September 2026, the Nippon Foundation completed the world’s first trial of a vessel equipped with a dedicated hydrogen-fired engine. The 4,500-ton tanker, Kikou Maru, utilized a hybrid propulsion system involving a Yanmar Power Solutions hydrogen engine and lithium-ion batteries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during a voyage in Osaka Bay. Following this, Japan Engine Corp. announced the development of a hydrogen engine specifically designed for large commercial vessels. This technology employs a high-pressure direct injection system and safety features like double-walled piping to manage hydrogen’s flammability. The engine is expected to be installed on a multipurpose ship from Onomichi Dockyard Co., with Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. planning onboard demonstration testing in April 2028. This innovation aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 95 percent compared to conventional heavy fuel oil engines. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: Japan Engine Corp. develops world's first hydrogen engine for large ships Japan Engine Corp. has unveiled the first hydrogen engine for large commercial ships, aiming to cut CO2 emissions by over 95 percent, with sea trials set for 2028. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-engine-corp-develops-worlds-first-hydrogen-engine-for-large-ships ### 2026-10-02: Nippon Foundation completes world's first hydrogen-fired engine ship trial Japan has successfully completed the world's first demonstration voyage of a tanker using a dedicated hydrogen-fired engine, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 1.2 tons during its trip in Osaka Bay. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kikou-maru-tanker-completes-hydrogen-powered-sea-trial-in-japan --- Cite as: Japanese maritime hydrogen engine development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-maritime-hydrogen-engine-development