China Launches World's First Pure Ammonia-Powered Ship Successfully
China has marked a major global milestone in green shipping with the successful maiden voyage of the “Anhui,” the world’s first pure ammonia-powered demonstration vessel. Developed in Hefei, Anhui Province, the vessel represents a step forward in carbon-free marine transport, relying solely on ammonia—a zero-carbon fuel—to achieve stable propulsion and drastically reduced emissions during operation.
The ammonia-powered vessel “Anhui” was jointly built by the Institute of Energy of the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center and its subsidiary, Shenzhen Haixu New Energy. The 50-tonne ship is equipped with a 200kW ammonia-fueled generator, two 100kW propulsion motors, and a twin-screw system, reaching speeds of 10 knots. Its successful maiden voyage showcased stable combustion using ammonia without carbon dioxide emissions, offering promise for low-carbon marine innovation.
Ammonia, widely used in industry, has emerged as a serious contender in the race to decarbonise shipping due to its high energy density and carbon-free combustion properties. While countries like Japan and Norway have explored its use, ignition issues and combustion instability have hampered broader deployment. The Hefei-based research team overcame these issues through breakthroughs in plasma ignition and the catalytic cracking of ammonia to generate hydrogen for controlled propulsion.
Researchers developed key components including a pure ammonia fuel burner and devices for catalytic cracking. This allowed efficient hydrogen-ammonia mixed combustion, addressing challenges of fuel stability. The maiden voyage successfully demonstrated near-zero CO₂ emissions and controlled nitrogen oxide output, validating ammonia’s potential in industrial applications like transport, boilers, and fuel cells. The demonstration vessel is now viewed as a critical proof of concept for scalable clean energy adoption.
Experts suggest that expanding this technology to megawatt-scale engines could transform marine transport globally. The vessel’s success supports China’s broader dual carbon goals and strengthens its position in the global push for clean energy innovation. As international regulations increasingly demand zero-emission vessels, ammonia-powered propulsion is gaining interest for its efficiency, low carbon output, and feasibility for both coastal and long-range commercial shipping applications.
The “Anhui” vessel’s successful maiden journey signals a major advance in carbon-neutral maritime transport. By relying entirely on ammonia fuel, researchers have demonstrated a scalable and efficient green alternative to traditional ship fuels. As nations push for emission-free transport solutions, this Chinese innovation may help shape a future where clean energy powers the global shipping industry.
