A hydrogen fuel cell-powered container ship has entered commercial operation in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, marking China's first inland vessel of its type to begin service, Zhejiang Information Office reports.

The Dong Fang Qing Gang, with a capacity of 64 TEU, commenced operations on 18 May. The vessel is said to operate without engine noise or exhaust emissions, producing only water as a by-product.

Built by Zhejiang Hydrogen Energy Industry Development, the ship is equipped with two 240-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell systems developed by Sinosynergy, a local company, and the system is designed to start within 10 seconds with a service life exceeding 30,000 hours.

Quan Bin, a representative of Zhejiang Hydrogen Energy Industry Development, said the vessel generates electricity through electrochemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen, achieving greater energy conversion efficiency than conventional diesel engines.

The ship can store up to 550 kilograms of hydrogen and has a maximum cruising range of 380 kilometres. Its integrated hydrogen storage and control system is designed to ensure a stable hydrogen supply during long-distance inland voyages.

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 700 tonnes annually — equivalent to the yearly carbon absorption capacity of around 39,000 trees.