Everllence has upgraded a research-engine test bench at its Augsburg site to enable hydrogen combustion, the company announced on Thursday, 26 February.

The development was carried out under the ‘HydroPoLEn’ project, an Everllence partnership with industry leaders and research institutes. The project is supported by funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy within the framework of the Maritime Research Programme.

Project partners include Everllence, WTZ GmbH, NMA at the Technical University of Munich and Tenneco, with Carnival Maritime acting as an associated partner. HydroPoLEn is focused on developing sustainable propulsion solutions for the maritime sector.

According to Everllence, investigations conducted under the project have led to the design and successful testing of a combustion process, along with mechanical components and parts specifically adapted for hydrogen operation. The company states that the newly developed combustion process enables a significant increase in power density when operating on hydrogen.

Dedicated hydrogen infrastructure has also been established at the Augsburg site to support research, positioning the facility as a hub for future hydrogen-related engine development.

Dr Cornelius Wagner, HydroPoLEn project manager, commented: "We are still at an early stage in terms of developing a complete propulsion solution for the market, but this news augurs well for the future. Hydrogen poses significant challenges for engine operation and requires optimal adaptation of safety systems and components for it to reach maximum potential. With these key challenges now addressed, hydrogen is moving closer to becoming a long-term solution for the defossilisation of passenger ships."

Dr Matthias Auer, head of performance and emissions for four-stroke R&D at Everllence, said: "In the race for future propulsion technologies in the maritime sector, hydrogen has a decisive role to play alongside ammonia and methanol. Since no single technology will likely prove optimal for all applications in the foreseeable future, companies must remain flexible and evaluate all options. Hydrogen will be an essential consideration in this context."

Dr Alexander Knafl, senior vice president of R&D four-stroke at Everllence, remarked: "With HydroPoLEn, we are taking another major step forward toward climate-neutral maritime transportation. Our hydrogen engine demonstrates that ingenious engineering is a key element for sustainable, carbon-free propulsion, providing the foundation for the next generation of marine mobility. We are extremely proud to drive forward solutions that unite environmental responsibility with strong industrial innovation."

The HydroPoLEn project focuses on developing propulsion solutions for the maritime sector.