China's first hydrogen-powered vessel completes maiden voyage

China's first hydrogen-powered vessel, Three Gorges Hydrogen Boat No 1, completed its maiden voyage on Wednesday morning in Yichang, Hubei province, marking a breakthrough in the application of hydrogen fuel cell technology in inland waterway vessels.

image: Sanxia Qingzhou 1 (Three Gorges Hydrogen Boat No 1) cruises on the Yangtze River on Oct 11. [Photo/Xinhua]

Compared to traditional fuel-powered ships, the new vessel is expected to save 103 metric tons of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 343 tons annually.

The three-deck ship is a steel-aluminum composite structure with a length of 49.9 meters and a width of 10.4 meters. It has a output power of 500kw and can travel 200 kilometers at one charge.

After delivery, the ship will be used for transportation, inspection, and emergency work in the Three Gorges area.

The maiden voyage marks a milestone towards the utilization of hydrogen energy along the Yangtze River and signifies a milestone in the green and low-carbon development of inland river transportation in China.