Hongqi Hydrogen 1. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
Construction of the world's first commercial inland cargo vessel powered by a hydrogen internal combustion engine began on Nov 4 at Wuxi Hongqi Shipyard, marking a breakthrough in the application of hydrogen energy in shipping.
Named Hongqi Hydrogen 1, the 800-metric ton vessel is equipped with a hydrogen engine and an organic liquid hydrogen storage system. It is the first commercial inland vessel of its kind to enter the construction stage worldwide, offering a potential new solution for reducing carbon emissions in inland waterway transport.
Wuxi Hongqi Shipyard is building the vessel, with Shanghai Huacanke Ship Technology leading the development of the technology. The propulsion system delivers 120 kilowatts of power, and the vessel is designed to travel approximately 1,000 kilometers on a full hydrogen load, compared with around 300 km for conventional power systems.
The project has completed its first round of integrated testing, with a trial launch scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027.
Founded in 1958, Hongqi Shipyard is now expanding into green shipbuilding through partnerships with research institutions and technology companies. It has secured orders for two hydrogen-powered vessels, including a 2,000-ton model.
The project team plans to conduct sea trials and develop industry standards based on operational data, with the goal of delivering the first batch of commercial vessels in 2027.
Beyond serving as a cargo ship, Hongqi Hydrogen 1 is also set to serve as a test platform to explore multiple clean-energy technologies in inland shipping, providing valuable experience for the sector's green transition.
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