Japan Engine completes hydrogen engine for large commercial ships

Japan Engine Corporation has completed a hydrogen-fueled engine for large commercial vessels, with factory testing achieving a hydrogen co-firing rate of at least 95%.

The 6UEC35LSGH engine also reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than 95% compared with conventional heavy-fuel-oil engines during the tests, according to the project partners.

Japan Engine describes the unit as the world’s first hydrogen-fueled engine for large commercial vessels, based on its research as of September 2026.

Hydrogen engine completes land-based testing

The engine was developed under NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund project by Japan Engine, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Yanmar Power Solutions.

It uses a high-pressure direct injection system that injects hydrogen directly into the cylinder. The technology is designed to provide stable hydrogen combustion.

The developers have also incorporated measures to address hydrogen-related safety risks. These include a structure designed to prevent hydrogen leakage and double-walled piping for the fuel supply lines.

Approval testing was conducted in the presence of ClassNK and was successfully completed.

Engine heading for 17,500 DWT MOL vessel

The next stage will move the technology from land-based testing to an actual vessel.

The engine is scheduled to be installed in January 2027 on a 17,500 DWT multipurpose vessel being built by Onomichi Dockyard for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and MOL Drybulk.

The installation forms part of the Blue Harmony project, which aims to develop and commercialize hydrogen-fueled vessels.

Kawasaki will provide the vessel’s Marine Hydrogen Fuel System (MHFS). The system includes the hydrogen fuel tanks and equipment needed to supply hydrogen to the engine.

The company will also develop and manufacture bunkering equipment for supplying liquefied hydrogen to vessels.

Sea trials to precede 2028 demonstration

Following installation, the multipurpose vessel will undergo sea trials before moving into demonstration operations.

Onboard demonstration testing is scheduled to begin in April 2028. The programme will examine the engine’s durability and performance under actual operating conditions.

ClassNK will conduct safety assessments throughout the development process, covering the engine as well as the vessel’s design, construction and operation.

Japan Engine previously completed an ammonia-fueled low-speed two-stroke marine engine in August 2025.

The latest hydrogen project represents another step towards testing next-generation marine fuels aboard commercial vessels rather than only at the development stage.

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