<article><p class="lead">Japanese engine manufacturers have teamed up to attempt develop hydrogen marine engines for large coastal and ocean-going ships by around 2025, as part of efforts to help the country's shipbuilders fast-track development of hydrogen-fuelled vessels.</p><p>Japanese firms Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), Yanmar Power Technology and Japan Engine today agreed to form a consortium to develop hydrogen-fuelled engines for large commercial vessels operating on domestic and international routes. The group is also targeting to achieve system integration that brings together hydrogen storage and fuelling equipment with a hydrogen fuel propulsion system.</p><p>The companies are targeting to complete developing a line of products that can meet various requirements for use as a main or auxiliary marine engine or a power generator. KHI is planning to develop a medium-speed four-stroke engine. Yanmar will work at developing medium- and high-speed four stroke engines, while Japan Engine is to tackle completing low-speed two-stroke engines.</p><p>KHI and Yanmar are already participating in projects to develop small hydrogen-powered ferries for domestic routes. KHI and other Japanese firms, including shipping firm NYK Line, are planning to launch pilot operations of a <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2190784">hydrogen-powered fuel cell passenger ferry at Yokohama port</a> in 2024. <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2114297">Yanmar</a> is co-operating with Japanese shipping firm Mitsui OSK Line's subsidiary Mol Techno-Trade in developing a small hydrogen-fuelled ferry.</p><p>Japan is awaiting the official launch of the <i>HydroBingo</i>, the first hydrogen-powered vessel to operate in the country. The 19 gross tonne hydrogen-fuelled ferry is developed by Belgian shipping firm CMB and Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi Facilities &amp; Craft.</p><p>Demand for hydrogen as a marine fuel is expected to expand as the international shipping industry strives to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50pc by 2050 compared with 2008 levels. A number of countries, including Japan, have also toughened their <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2208203">greenhouse gas commitments</a> to achieve decarbonisation by 2050, prompting Japanese shipbuilders to speed up a shift to greener and zero-emissions vessels and <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2208899">tap decarbonisation potential</a> in competition against their Chinese and South Korean rivals.</p><p class="bylines">By Rieko Suda</p></article>
