Japan launches world's first hydrogen engine for large ocean ships

Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have initiated the world’s first onshore testing of a large, low-speed, two-stroke hydrogen-fueled marine engine designed for large ocean-going vessels. The prototype engine, 6UEC35LSGH, successfully completed initial hydrogen co-firing trials at J-ENG’s Hyogo Prefecture facility, demonstrating stable combustion across all six cylinders with hydrogen providing over 95% of the fuel energy at full load. This engine showed reliable performance and significant greenhouse gas reductions compared to conventional diesel engines, marking a major advancement toward decarbonizing the shipping industry. The project is part of Japan’s Green Innovation Fund initiative and involves collaboration with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Onomichi Shipbuilding, and ClassNK. Scheduled for delivery in January 2027, the engine will power a 17,500-deadweight-tonne multi-purpose cargo vessel currently under construction, with full-scale sea trials planned for fiscal year