Geely Launches the World’s First Methanol-Hydrogen Electric Cargo-Passenger Vessel — YUANCHUN 001

On 12 September 2025, a milestone was reached in Hangzhou as YUANCHUN 001 successfully touched water. As the world’s first methanol-hydrogen electric cargo-passenger vessel, it marks a breakthrough in applying methanol-hydrogen technology from land to waterways — a major step towards truly sustainable shipping.

Powered by Geely’s self-developed methanol-hydrogen electric system, the vessel integrates methanol liquid fuel with lithium battery storage through advanced direct-current networking and multi-mode smart energy management. The result:
Zero lifecycle emissions
42% lower energy consumption compared to diesel vessels
Extended range of ~1,500 km, far exceeding mainstream pure-electric ships

This innovation not only responds to the IMO’s 2050 decarbonisation goal but also offers a scalable and replicable pathway for China’s inland shipping sector, where over 145,000 vessels are in operation and the transition potential is immense.

Behind this achievement lies over 20 years of Geely’s dedication to methanol innovation — from lighting the Hangzhou Asian Games main torch with zero-carbon methanol, to deploying methanol-hydrogen vehicles at the Harbin Asian Winter Games, and now bringing the technology to shipping.

Geely continues to build a unique “Space–Sky–Land–Water” mobility ecosystem, integrating green energy, new mobility modes, and smart satellite networks to lead the future of sustainable transportation.

YUANCHUN 001 is more than a ship — it’s a living demonstration that cleaner, quieter, and more economical shipping is possible today.

by Xinde Marine News Chen Yang

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