On December 2, during the Shanghai International Maritime Exhibition, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. ("COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry") unveiled the operational results of China's first ammonia-powered vessel and its dedicated research project. This milestone marks the transition of China's ammonia-powered ship technology from laboratory research to real-world application and promotion.

The event showcased a comprehensive presentation of China's breakthroughs in ammonia-fueled vessels through live ship operation videos and core technology demonstrations. A highlight was the live-streamed demonstration of the country's first ammonia-diesel dual-fuel port service vessel.

The project, applied to the first ammonia-powered port service vessel built by Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. ("Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry"), was completed and delivered on December 30, 2024. It also received China's first ammonia-fueled vessel certification issued by the China Classification Society (CCS).

Over nearly a year of operation, the vessel has demonstrated stable performance, achieving a maximum diesel substitution rate of 80%. Its exhaust emissions meet China's Phase II standards, with ammonia leakage levels complying with regulations. The engine room and fuel handling areas maintained zero leakage, confirming the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of ammonia-powered vessels in practical applications.

During the event, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zichai Power, and CCS signed the "Dimethyl Ether Fuel-Powered Vessel R&D Framework Agreement." Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry will lead the construction of a dimethyl ether port service vessel as a demonstration project, with participating institutions conducting research to advance full-industry-chain development—from engines, supply systems, fuel containment, and exhaust treatment to assembly, fuel refueling, and navigation trials.

The ammonia-powered research project, led by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, involves collaboration with over ten institutions, including Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, Weihai Technology, Dalian CRRC, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dalian University of Technology, CCS, and the American Bureau of Shipping. Together, they established an end-to-end innovation mechanism covering design, R&D, manufacturing, and certification.

The project team tackled industry challenges such as ammonia fuel ignition difficulties, slow flame propagation, and leakage prevention, successfully developing an innovation system encompassing six core technologies—dual-fuel engines, ammonia supply systems, storage tanks, and exhaust treatment devices. All technologies were validated through real-ship testing, forming a proprietary ammonia-fueled vessel solution.

To date, the project has filed 28 patents (including 22 invention patents) and established six technical standards, laying a solid foundation for the commercial adoption of ammonia-powered vessels.