China Launches First Hydrogen Fuel Ship

The first hydrogen fuel-powered ship in China has been launched and is operating in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province. Hydrogen Industry Leaders looks at how it will pave the way for hydrogen technologies in the country.

China Three Gorges Corporation, the company behind the vessel, said that the ship will operate in the Three Gorges reservoir area and will provide transportation, patrol and emergency services. In addition, it uses homegrown hydrogen fuel cells and a lithium battery system.

It is being viewed as a notable step forward in new energy shipbuilding in the country and will enable the exploration of the use of hydrogen technology for inland vessels.

This ship can achieve a top speed of 28 kilometres per hour, and its top cruise range is 200 kilometres. Aside from its zero emission operation, the ship generates considerably less noise than those powered by oil and fossil fuels, and it is more cost-efficient.

The ship was built by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation and the China Yangtze Power Corporation under the China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG).