Japanese to develop green engines

Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) will begin testing a large next-generation, four-cylinder engine geared with de-nitrification equipment at its plant in Tamano in December. Its aim is to establish technology that re-circulates exhaust gases and create a system that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions using catalysts. If the de-nitrification equipment works as intended, it is expected to cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 80 per cent compared to conventional engines. Investment is expected to total around 1.5 billion yen ($18.4 million), some of which will be covered by grants from the Land Ministry.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will begin field testing a similar engine in spring 2012. The company has spent around 1 billion yen to install test facilities at its Kobe shipyard and, like Mitsui, is targeting an 80% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.