Everllence has upgraded a research-engine test bench to enable hydrogen combustion for CO2-neutral propulsion. The test bench is located at the company’s Augsburg site and is part of the “HydroPoLEn” project.
HydroPoLEn is an Everllence (formerly known as MAN Energy Solutions) partnership with WTZ GmbH, NMA at the Technical University of Munich, and Tenneco, with Carnival Maritime acting as associated partner. The project is supported by funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy within the framework of the Maritime Research Programme.
HydroPoLEn is focused on creating sustainable propulsion solutions for the maritime sector, addressing the urgent need for environmentally-friendly technologies in global shipping. Based on investigations, the project has designed and successfully tested a combustion process, mechanical components and parts specifically for hydrogen operation. In particular, the newly developed combustion process enables a significant increase in power density under hydrogen operation.
Also read: MAN to investigate marine hydrogen engine concepts
Hydrogen infrastructure
Furthermore, dedicated hydrogen infrastructure has been set up alongside the project in Augsburg, representing a significant milestone for the site. This infrastructure not only supports current research but also positions Augsburg as a key hub for developing future technologies.
Dr Cornelius Wagner, HydroPoLEn Project Manager: ‘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 adaption 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.’
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Evaluating all options
‘In the race for future propulsion technologies in the maritime sector, hydrogen has a decisive role to play alongside ammonia and methanol,’ adds Dr Matthias Auer, Head of Performance & Emissions, Four-Stroke R&D, Everllence. ‘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.’
Picture: The first 100 per cent H2 engine, a single-cylinder 35/44DF H2 engine, was successfully commissioned at Everllence’s Augsburg site in late-2025 and has already run on 100 per cent hydrogen (photo by Everllence).
