World’s first hydrogen-fueled main engine tested for large commercial vessel

Japan Engine Corporation (J‑ENG) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Kawasaki) successfully ran the world’s first hydrogen-fueled main engine for a large commercial vessel. The test is part of the Green Innovation Fund Project “Development of Marine Hydrogen Engines and MHFS,” supported by NEDO and in collaboration with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), MOL Drybulk, Onomichi Dockyard, and ClassNK.

Hydrogen Co-Firing Success

The low-speed, two-stroke 6UEC35LSGH engine ran on over 95% hydrogen under full load. Tests confirmed stable operation and significant greenhouse gas reductions. Verification testing continues to optimize performance.

Most hydrogen vessel projects focus on short trips or low-output engines. This project combines high-output, high-efficiency, and liquefied hydrogen fuel. It enables long-distance, long-duration operations for oceangoing merchant ships.

Vessel Deployment

The engine will ship in January 2027. Onomichi Dockyard will install it on a 17,500 DWT hydrogen-fueled multi-purpose vessel. Kawasaki is building the hydrogen fuel supply system (MHFS) for the vessel. MOL and MOL Drybulk will operate it in a three-year demonstration starting FY2028.

ClassNK will evaluate safety during engine development, MHFS installation, and vessel operations.

Expert Collaboration

J‑ENG used years of R&D in hydrogen materials, combustion, and fuel injection to develop the 6UEC35LSGH engine. Kawasaki ensures a safe and reliable fuel supply. MOL and Onomichi Dockyard finalized contracts for vessel construction and hydrogen-system specifications.

With NEDO’s support, the team continues to advance practical hydrogen fuel use in shipping. This project marks a major step toward decarbonizing large-scale maritime transport.

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