MITSUI E&S Co. Ltd., in collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions, has achieved a significant milestone in the maritime industry by successfully conducting the world’s first hydrogen combustion test on a large, marine two-stroke engine. The test, conducted at MITSUI’s Tamano facility, involved running a 50-bore MAN B&W two-stroke engine on hydrogen at up to 100% load.
The breakthrough comes as part of ongoing efforts to explore alternative fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. MITSUI converted one of the four cylinders of an MAN B&W ME-GI (-Gas Injection) engine to hydrogen operation, utilizing a hydrogen gas-supply system developed by MITSUI in 2023.
During the testing phase, stable operation was achieved across various loads and operating conditions, demonstrating successful hydrogen combustion at up to 100% load. The results also showcased significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with up to 95% reduction achieved, the remaining fraction originating from the pilot-fuel employed during testing.
In response to the successful test, MITSUI emphasized its commitment to developing zero-emission ships “This is the world’s first successful hydrogen combustion test on a large, marine two-stroke engine. In achieving operation along with providing the hydrogen gas-supply system, we are now one step closer to developing a zero-emission ship that uses hydrogen as fuel.”
Gunnar Stiesch, Chief Technical Officer, MAN Energy Solutions, 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, said: “This exploratory work is illuminating and gives us much food for thought. MAN Energy Solutions continuously looks to support the decarbonisation journey within the maritime industry, and as often as possible with esteemed industry partners such as MITSUI.”
Bjarne Foldager, Country Manager, Denmark, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “We have worked closely with MITSUI on this research project and are very happy with the results achieved. This proves the advantages and the flexibility of two-stroke engine technology and means that we are now also prepared for the future, not only for hydrogen derivatives but also for hydrogen as a fuel. MAN Energy Solutions closely follows the market to keep track of any significant developments and this test is a noteworthy progression.”
Thomas S. Hansen, Head of Sales and Promotion, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “MAN B&W-branded engines are flexible by nature and designed for an easy retrofit at a later stage to different fuel types. This is an encouraging milestone for hydrogen as a fuel. We will now take some time to evaluate the results and ensure that we are ready to take action if and when the market for hydrogen matures.”
The successful hydrogen combustion test represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of cleaner and more sustainable maritime transportation, underscoring the potential of hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel in the shipping industry. MAN Energy Solutions and MITSUI’s collaboration paves the way for further advancements in decarbonization efforts within the maritime sector.
Source MAN Energy Solutions