World’s First Ship Fueled Solely by Ammonia Completes Maiden Voyage

In a groundbreaking advancement for sustainable maritime transport, China has launched the world’s first vessel powered entirely by pure ammonia fuel. Named Anhui, the ship recently completed its maiden trial in Hefei, located in the eastern province of Anhui, marking a critical milestone in the global pursuit of zero-emission shipping solutions.

Jointly developed by the Institute of Energy at the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center and Shenzhen Haixu New Energy Co., Ltd., the vessel embodies China’s increasing commitment to low-carbon maritime innovation. With a rated capacity of 50 metric tonnes and a cruising speed of 10 knots, Anhui features a 200kW high-speed gas engine generator, dual 100kW propulsion motors, and a twin-screw propulsion system.

What sets Anhui apart is its exclusive use of ammonia as fuel—a compound that releases no carbon dioxide when combusted. During the sea trials, the vessel exhibited stable combustion behavior, near-zero CO₂ emissions, and effective control of nitrogen oxide discharge, positioning ammonia as a viable candidate for decarbonizing international shipping.

Developing a vessel of this nature came with significant engineering challenges. The research team successfully addressed issues including plasma ignition of pure ammonia, continuous and controlled combustion, hydrogen generation via catalytic cracking, and optimized operation of ammonia-hydrogen fuel mixtures in internal combustion engines. Additional innovations included the creation of a proprietary ammonia burner and advanced gas reforming units.

Maritime experts have long viewed ammonia as a promising zero-carbon fuel, especially given its high energy density and scalability. While nations such as Japan and Norway have made headway in ammonia-fueled prototypes, Anhui is the first vessel to operate exclusively on ammonia, without relying on traditional fuels or hybrid energy systems.

Wang Junli, Secretary-General of the Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, hailed the successful voyage as a pivotal development in establishing a clean energy infrastructure for waterborne transport. He emphasized that scaling such technology to megawatt-level engines could dramatically accelerate its deployment across commercial fleets.

This accomplishment aligns with China’s broader environmental targets, including carbon neutrality ambitions and emission reduction goals. The project also signals China’s intent to play a central role in leading the global maritime sector toward sustainable alternatives.

As international regulatory bodies push for stricter emission standards, the successful launch of Anhui demonstrates the tangible progress being made in alternative fuel adoption—setting a precedent for the next generation of eco-friendly vessels.

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