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Japanese Manufacturer Presents Innovative, Tested And Certified Engine Set To Launch In 2026 And Promises To Transform The Maritime Sector Towards Carbon Neutrality.
A historic milestone in maritime transport has just occurred in Japan. Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG), based in Akashi, unveiled the world’s first commercial ammonia-powered engine. The launch took place on August 30 and promises to transform the maritime sector by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Pioneering Engine
J-ENG, the sole global licensor of low-speed marine diesel engines, revealed the model 7UEC50LSJA-HPSCR. The equipment has a diameter of 50 centimeters, seven cylinders, and features a high-pressure Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. This system reduces nitrogen emissions using a catalyst and ammonia-based reducing agent, such as urea.
The significant difference compared to conventional engines is the ability to operate on both ammonia and heavy fuel oil. This dual-fuel configuration allows for a more balanced transition to clean energy without requiring immediate and radical changes in the sector.
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Tested And Certified
The new engine has undergone official testing at J-ENG’s facilities. The evaluations were monitored by major industry players such as NYK Line, Nihon Shipyard, and Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU). ClassNK, the world’s largest classification society, also participated in the oversight.
According to the company, the results showed consistent performance in both fuel modes. After the tests, ClassNK officially certified the engine for environmental performance and operational safety.
The delivery is scheduled for October 2025. The destination will be a medium-sized gas carrier powered by ammonia, currently under construction at the JMU Ariake shipyard.
The ship is expected to enter commercial operation in 2026, marking the first large-scale use of an ammonia-powered marine engine.
Japanese Pride
J-ENG stated that the development was long and carefully planned. The company’s statement highlighted their satisfaction in delivering a safe and reliable engine before any global competitor. According to representatives, the result is the culmination of years of data collection and continuous experimentation.
Over A Thousand Hours Of Testing
The current success was made possible after an extensive experimental phase. Between May 2023 and September 2024, the company conducted over a thousand hours of testing on a single-cylinder prototype.
The work took place at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries R&D Center in Nagasaki.
With the data obtained, J-ENG moved on to testing the complete version in April 2025. Over five months, there were an additional 700 hours of testing, prioritizing the optimization of combustion, leak control, and safety in handling ammonia.
The engine also received sophisticated monitoring systems capable of ensuring crew protection and avoiding risks when in contact with the toxic substance.
Significant Emission Reductions
The numbers presented are impressive. At full load and with 95% ammonia co-combustion, the engine emitted only three ppm of nitrous oxide (N2O). This represents a reduction of over 90% in greenhouse gases.
Moreover, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions were cut by half compared to conventional oil engines. The release of unburned ammonia was virtually nil, thanks to the post-treatment system. Thermal efficiency in ammonia operational mode proved to be equivalent to or even superior to that of heavy oil.
Next Steps
The company does not intend to stop with this model. A larger engine, with a diameter of 60 centimeters, is already under development, designed for vessels of various sizes. It is expected to start operating in the fiscal year 2028.
With this initiative, J-ENG reinforces its position as a pioneer in next-generation fuels. The company states that it will continue to drive the introduction of these engines into the market, encouraging the maritime industry to adopt sustainable solutions.
Contribution To The Future
The project is part of the “Next Generation Ship Development,” part of the Green Innovation Fund, managed by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Thus, it is not just an isolated technological advancement but a joint effort to accelerate the transition of the maritime sector.
According to the company, large-scale adoption of these engines will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport. The goal is clear: to contribute to carbon neutrality by 2050.
In a concluding statement, J-ENG reaffirmed its commitment to lead the change. Japan, once again, positions itself at the forefront of a global transformation that could redefine the future of maritime transport.
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