Could hydrogen-powered ships be the future of global shipping and trading?
As Interesting Engineering reported, China released its first hydrogen-powered container ship, Dong Fang Qing Gang, and it could change the industry. Running on hydrogen fuel cells, it is a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to the ships still using dirty energy.
Shipping is essential for global trade, but it's a major contributor to pollution. It accounts for about 11% of the transportation sector's pollution output, which is the second-largest source of emissions worldwide. As trade continues to grow, these numbers are expected to rise significantly by 2050 unless action is taken.
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Hydrogen fuel cells, including the ones used on this ship, offer a promising alternative. They create energy through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapor as the only byproduct and no heat-trapping gases. Compared to regular fuels or electric batteries, hydrogen has a better mix of energy density and weight, which is important for long trips across oceans.
Dong Fang Qing Gang is a 211-foot ship that can carry up to 1,450 tons, or 64 standard containers. It's powered by two hydrogen fuel cells, each with a 240-kilowatt rating, and made by China-based Sinosynergy. With these systems, the ship can travel around 236 miles on a single hydrogen charge and is expected to cut about 700 tons of carbon emissions each year.
The ship also has a lithium battery that stores energy from the fuel cells, helping it run smoothly and making it more energy-efficient. Other steps in hydrogen-powered shipping, including Greenpeace's hybrid ship that uses hydrogen, sails, and solar panels, show how the maritime industry is trying different approaches to cut pollution. The U.K. startup GT Wings is also bringing wind power back with its AirWing sails, which could lower fuel use and pollution output by 30%.
The International Renewable Energy Agency says hydrogen could play a key role in the switch to cleaner energy, especially in areas such as shipping and aviation, where electrification is harder.
Dong Fang Qing Gang runs an inland route between Jiaxing and Xiasha port in Hangzhou, marking China's first hydrogen-powered water transport route. This milestone could pave the way for expanding hydrogen technology in the global shipping industry.
As hydrogen-powered ships and solar energy systems become more common, they can help big industries lessen their impacts on the environment. Using these kinds of solutions brings us closer to a future wherein our most-used methods and tools can be sustainable in the long term and help both the environment and people.
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