Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Equipment Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., each a part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, have obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai for the essential design of a methane oxidation catalyst system for marine LNG-fueled engines. The system, developed in collaboration with Daihatsu Infinearth Mfg. Co., Ltd., was introduced at Sea Japan 2026.
The methane oxidation catalyst system goals to scale back methane slip, or unburned methane, within the exhaust gasoline of marine engines. Methane, a potent greenhouse gasoline, presents important environmental challenges, and the system’s capacity to scale back emissions represents a notable development. The system combines MHI-MME’s catalyst know-how, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s set up experience, and Daihatsu Infinearth’s engine optimization expertise.
Verification testing is underway with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, utilizing a full-scale demonstrator on the KEYS Azalea, an LNG bunkering vessel operated by KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd. Initial checks have proven a methane oxidation fee exceeding 90%, confirming the system’s anticipated efficiency.
Following the AiP acquisition and profitable preliminary testing, the businesses plan to expedite the system’s improvement towards commercialization. This initiative aligns with MHI Group’s broader technique to boost its vitality transition enterprise and contribute to international decarbonization efforts, significantly within the maritime sector.