Yanmar trials hydrogen engine for coastal vessels

Japan-based Yanmar Power Technology has successfully completed a land-based trial of a hydrogen four-stroke engine for coastal vessels.

PHOTO: Yanmar’s pilot-ignition hydrogen four-stroke high-speed engine. Yanmar

The pilot-ignition hydrogen engine tested by Yanmar Power Technology uses a small amount of diesel oil as a pilot fuel to ignite a hydrogen-air mixture.

With this operation, the engine achieved the world’s highest hydrogen fuel ratio and produced approximately 500 kW (kilowatt) of output, Yanmar research claims.

This trial was conducted as part of the Nippon Foundation’s zero-emission ship demonstration experiment. Yanmar Power Technology is a subsidiary of Japanese engine manufacturer Yanmar Holdings.

The company plans to continue such trials and use biofuel as the pilot fuel. It is working towards obtaining class certification for demonstration operations scheduled for 2026.

By Tuhin Roy

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