Almere, the Netherlands
Mitsubishi Advances to the Testing Phase of a Maritime Hydrogen Engine
Previously, they partnered on the first Stage V-certified ship engine and pioneered an LNG engine as a groundbreaking innovation. Now, Mitsubishi and Koedood are actively testing a major advancement in the environmental sustainability of European inland shipping: the development of a high-quality spark-ignited hydrogen engine.
By Matthijs Daniels
Combustion research conducted by TNO
The combustion research conducted by TNO, based on a ‘single cylinder research engine,’ was successfully completed. Following these results, Mitsubishi developed a six-cylinder variant, using the well-known and proven S6R engine, which will be tested at TNO in the summer of 2024. If everything goes according to plan, Koedood will then build the generator set in the last quarter of 2024. It is an exciting process where the engine manufacturer and dealer are working together as partners. This is part of the Green Transport Delta Hydrogen project, an initiative by the Dutch government aimed at developing a ship engine that runs on a carbon-free fuel.
Low-Threshold Approach
Our starting point for this engine is the Mitsubishi engine as you’ve always known it,” says Jan Post, the project leader for this hydrogen variant at Mitsubishi. “Of course, using a different fuel requires adjustments, but the goal is to change the existing engine design as little as possible. This makes the transition very accessible, both for mechanics and for those who will be operating it in the future."
Chris Balink of Mitsubishi further emphasizes that the current prototype is a ‘proof of concept,’ a starting point for further development and improvement. “At a later stage, for example, it would be relatively easy to develop a long-stroke variant
In addition to the ‘proven technology’ of the spark-ignited S6R engine, the developers have naturally paid great attention to onboard safety. “For instance, we’ve implemented a double-walled and ventilated fuel system,” says Jan Post. “This prevents any leakage into the engine room, making the safety level of the hydrogen engine equivalent to that of a diesel engine.”
Koedood has gained a lot of experience with hydrogen in recent years, albeit in combination with fuel cells. “But that experience also helps us with the execution of this project,” said Marien Stolk and Menno Bijnagte of Koedood Marine Group. “The engine is, of course, the centerpiece of this project, but other aspects also come into play: think of hydrogen storage, bunkering or tank switching, or possibly adding a battery pack, for example.”
Once again, Mitsubishi and Koedood are introducing a new form of sustainable shipping. “And without after treatment,” adds Marien Stolk. His colleague Bijnagte concludes, “We’re pleased to be partnering with Mitsubishi again on this, a company with which Koedood has had a close and trusted relationship for many years.”
Source: This article is a translation of the original published in the August 2024 issue of Martiem MGZN.
