Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province — Imagine a ship that sails the seas without leaving a trail of carbon emissions. That’s exactly what China has achieved with the “Anhui,” the world’s first vessel powered entirely by ammonia. This revolutionary ship has just completed its maiden voyage, marking a monumental step forward in green shipping technology.
Ammonia, commonly known for its use in fertilizers, is now turning heads as a clean energy source. Unlike traditional fuels, burning ammonia releases only water and nitrogen—no carbon dioxide. With high energy density, it’s emerging as a strong contender to help decarbonize the shipping industry.
While other countries like Japan and Norway have been exploring ammonia-powered ships, China’s “Anhui” is leading the way by actually setting sail. A 2021 report by the International Energy Agency suggests that by 2050, ammonia could supply about 45% of the energy needed for global shipping if we aim for net-zero emissions.
The “Anhui” was developed by the Institute of Energy of the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center along with Shenzhen Haixu New Energy Co., Ltd. This high-tech vessel features a 200-kilowatt gas generator, two 100-kilowatt propulsion motors, and a twin-screw system, allowing it to carry up to 50 tonnes at speeds of 10 knots.
Creating an ammonia-powered ship wasn’t without challenges. Ammonia doesn’t ignite easily and can burn unevenly. “We overcame these hurdles by developing new technologies like plasma ignition and efficient catalytic cracking of ammonia to produce hydrogen,” explained Wu Dianwu from the institute. These advancements led to stable combustion and minimal emissions.
The successful voyage demonstrated that pure ammonia fuel can power ships effectively while keeping emissions near zero. This breakthrough could pave the way for wider use of ammonia-hydrogen fuels in not just shipping but also in land transport, industrial boilers, and fuel cells.
“This is a major milestone in building a clean, low-carbon energy system for water transport,” said Wang Junli, secretary-general of the Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. “As we develop larger ammonia engines, we’ll see even greater applications, significantly contributing to China’s dual carbon goals.”
With the launch of the “Anhui,” China is charting a new course toward sustainable maritime travel, offering hope for a greener future across the globe.
