THREE of Japans’s marine engine manufacturers – Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yanmar Power Technology Co and Japan Engine Corporation – have announced the joint establishment of the new company HyEng Corporation.
Back in April, the companies announced their intention to pursue joint development of hydrogen-fuelled marine engines for ocean-going and coastal vessels.
HyEng has now been created with a total investment of JP¥12 million, with each company contributing a third.
Headquartered on the premises of Japan Engine Corporation’s factory, the new entity will develop the hydrogen engine as well as international standards and rules for hydrogen fuel supply systems. It will also work on the integration of hydrogen fuel supply systems and maintenance and operation of hydrogen fuel engine demonstration facilities.
“With the establishment of HyEng Corporation, the three companies will further advance their joint development activities and accelerate their drive to develop new markets for decarbonisation in the marine domain,” the companies said in a statement.
Among the many alternatives being explored to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector, hydrogen is attracting global interest for its application in a wide range of energy and mobility industrial sectors as a fuel that offers zero-emissions.
By co-operating on common fundamental technologies such as basic experiments and analysis on hydrogen combustion, materials, and sealing techniques, as well as classification society requirements, each company aims to bring hydrogen-fuelled engines to the market by 2025.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries will develop medium-speed 4-stroke engines, Yanmar Power Technology will focus on medium- and high-speed 4-stroke engines, and Japan Engine Corporation will embark on the development of low-speed 2-stroke engines.
All three simultaneous developments will enhance the product lineup of propulsion and auxiliary (generator) engines for a wide range of vessels. In addition, a hydrogen fuel storage and supply system will be developed as part of the integrated hydrogen fuel system.
