The field of hydrogen-powered ships has recently seen significant developments, with both China and Norway making remarkable progress in the commercialization of such vessels, injecting strong momentum into the global shipping industry’s green transition.

In China, the country’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered ship, the “Three Gorges Hydrogen Boat No. 1,” completed its maiden voyage in October 2023. By early May 2025, it had accumulated over 10,000 kilometers of sailing. Equipped with a 500-kilowatt fuel cell system, the ship can reach a maximum speed of 28 kilometers per hour and has a range of 200 kilometers. Its excellent performance not only provides an efficient power solution for inland navigation but also excels in environmental protection. It is estimated that the ship can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 343.67 tons per year, setting a benchmark for zero-emission inland navigation and providing a reference for the sustainable development of China’s shipping industry.

Meanwhile, in Norway, in June 2025, the shipping company Møre Sjø signed an order with the Turkish Gelibolu Shipyard for two hydrogen-powered bulk carriers. These two zero-emission hydrogen-powered bulk carriers will be equipped with 3.2-megawatt PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells and are scheduled for delivery in 2027. Once delivered, they will become the world’s first commercially operated hydrogen-powered bulk carriers, with each ship reducing carbon emissions by more than 5,000 tons per year, making significant contributions to the emission reduction efforts of Norway and the global shipping industry.

The accelerated commercialization of hydrogen-powered ships is due to the continuous maturation of hydrogen fuel cell technology and the global emphasis on environmental protection. Hydrogen fuel cells, with their high energy density, fast refueling speed, and zero emissions, are an ideal choice for the green transformation of the shipping industry. With technological breakthroughs and cost reductions, the market prospects for hydrogen-powered ships are becoming increasingly broad.

The active exploration and successful practices of China and Norway in the field of hydrogen-powered ships provide valuable experience and confidence for other countries and regions. In the future, as more hydrogen-powered ships are put into operation, the global shipping industry is expected to usher in a greener and more low-carbon chapter, contributing more significantly to combating climate change and protecting the Earth’s environment.