Anhui: The 'world's first pure ammonia-powered demonstration vessel' built in China completed its maiden voyage in the country's Anhui province, state media reported on Saturday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the vessel named "Anhui" is equipped with a 200-kilowatt high-speed gas internal combustion generator, two 100-kilowatt propulsion motors, and a twin-screw propulsion system. It can carry up to 50 tons of load and has a rated speed of 10 knots, as stated by the Xinhua news agency.

Ammonia, known for its high energy density, emits only water and nitrogen when fully combusted, which makes it significant for decarbonizing the maritime sector. Despite this potential, ammonia as a marine fuel still faces challenges, such as difficulty igniting and maintaining stable combustion.

The maiden voyage of the vessel successfully achieved stable combustion of pure ammonia fuel, nearly zero carbon dioxide emissions, and effective control of nitrogen oxides, according to Xinhua.