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MITSUI Achieves World-First: Successfully Tests Hydrogen-Powered Marine Engine

In collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions, MITSUI converted one of the four cylinders of a MAN B&W ME-GI (-Gas Injection) engine to hydrogen operation.

March 07, 2024. By Abha Rustagi

In a recent development for the maritime industry, MITSUI E&S Co. Ltd., a licensee of MAN Energy Solutions, has announced the successful testing of a 50-bore MAN B&W two-stroke engine running on hydrogen at its Tamano facility.

This achievement marks a significant milestone as the world's first successful hydrogen combustion test on a large, marine two-stroke engine.

In collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions, MITSUI converted one of the four cylinders of a MAN B&W ME-GI (-Gas Injection) engine to hydrogen operation. The hydrogen was supplied from a hydrogen gas supply system developed by MITSUI in 2023. The stable operation was achieved at various loads and operating conditions, including successful hydrogen combustion up to 100 percent load.

The test results demonstrated greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 95 percent, with the remaining fraction originating from the pilot fuel employed during testing. MITSUI expressed confidence in advancing towards the development of zero-emission ships fueled by hydrogen, stating, "We are now one step closer to developing a zero-emission ship that uses hydrogen as fuel."

Gunnar Stiesch, Chief Technical Officer at MAN Energy Solutions, commended MITSUI for the achievement and said, “This is a very interesting project and one of several activities related to hydrogen that MAN Energy Solutions is currently pursuing within both two- and four-stroke segments. My congratulations to MITSUI for achieving this world-first and pushing the envelope on decarbonisation.”

Brian Østergaard Sørensen, Vice President and Head of Research & Development, Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing decarbonization within the maritime sector.

Bjarne Foldager, Country Manager, Denmark, MAN Energy Solutions, expressed satisfaction with the results achieved, underscoring the flexibility and advantages of two-stroke engine technology. He emphasized the readiness of MAN Energy Solutions for future developments in hydrogen as a fuel.

Thomas S. Hansen, Head of Sales and Promotion at MAN Energy Solutions, highlighted the flexibility of MAN B&W-branded engines and their potential for easy retrofit to different fuel types. He emphasized the milestone achieved in the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel and reiterated MAN Energy Solutions' commitment to evaluating results and readiness to take action as the market for hydrogen matures.

MITSUI and MAN Energy Solutions' collaboration sets a precedent for future innovations in hydrogen-powered maritime transportation, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Tags:

Hydrogen / Fuel Cells

Mitsui

Hydrogen-Powered Marine Engine

Brian Østergaard Sørensen

Bjarne Foldager

Thomas S. Hansen