China's YUN TAO NO.1, a 2,000-ton hydrogen cargo ship, aims to enhance hydrogen use in inland shipping, promoting eco-friendly transport solutions.
China Unveils 2,000-Ton Hydrogen Fuel Cargo Ship
China has launched the YUN TAO NO.1, an inland cargo ship powered by hydrogen fuel cells with a carrying capacity of 2,000 tons. The 70-meter-long vessel will operate with three 260 kW hydrogen fuel cells and lithium batteries. The project aims to scale up the use of hydrogen in commercial inland shipping.
The YUN TAO NO.1 was launched in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province. Developed in collaboration with Guangdong Yuntao Hydrogen Energy Technology and China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the ship is being promoted as the largest hydrogen-powered inland cargo vessel built in China.
The ship measures 70 meters in length, 14 meters in width, and has a declared cruising range of 760 kilometers. It will be able to carry approximately 140 containers or bulk cargoes equivalent to the same capacity, such as ores, coal, and grains.
The propulsion and energy system consists of three hydrogen fuel cell generators, each with a power output of 260 kW, along with lithium batteries. The vessel has received type approval from the China Classification Society. However, the launch and type approval do not mean that the ship has commenced regular commercial operations. Completion of outfitting, testing, crew training, and operational permits is required.
The developing company aims to establish a network of 100 standardized hydrogen vessels in the Pearl River basin and transition to commercial operations without subsidies in the long term. These are not yet confirmed orders or financing programs, but rather growth targets announced by the company.
It is possible for the ship to produce zero exhaust emissions during operation. However, the overall climate impact will depend on whether the hydrogen is produced from natural gas, coal, or renewable electricity. Therefore, it is not yet possible to label the ship as 'zero emissions over its life cycle.' Additionally, this is not an ocean-going vessel; it is designed for river and inland waterways.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
