Technology developer Nikkiso is to design a new hydrogen-pump unit, as it seeks to diversify its existing LNG fuel systems portfolio.
The firm announced the move to design and manufacture the new pump unit following an order by Kawasaki Heavy Industries for a hydrogen-fuelled ship.
“Nikkiso has long been a market leader in supplying the marine industry with cryogenic pumps and fuelling systems for LNG-powered vessels,” Adrian Ridge, President and CEO, Nikkiso CE&IG Group, says. “Now we are designing and manufacturing the first-of-their-kind hydrogen and ammonia pumps for the marine market.”
High-pressure hydrogen
The design for the new pump system will be based around a low speed, two-stroke engine that will offer dual fuel capabilities. This will act as the main propulsion engine.
The firm aims to combine its existing technologies and products that are designed for LNG-fuelled ships and hydrogen stations. It is hoped that this will allow for multiple types of pumps to boost the pressure, helping to supply high-pressure liquefied hydrogen from the hydrogen fuel tank to the evaporator.
“Our history and commitment of working with customers to deliver innovative solutions means we are perfectly positioned in the marine market to apply the technology of high-pressure pump units for LNG-fuelled ships to the design and manufacture of units for hydrogen-fuelled ships,” Ridge adds.
Green Innovation Fund
Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group is part of Nikkiso’s Industrial Division. The group is working closely with Kawasaki as part of its “Development of marine hydrogen engines and marine hydrogen fuel systems” project.
This ambitious project was approved by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Japan’s largest public R&D management organization.
