China Begins Testing First Marine Hydrogen-Ammonia-Methanol Project

China has begun testing its first integrated offshore project that produces hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol from renewable energy sources.

The facility, located in Yantan, in east China’s Shandong Province, has officially entered the trial operation stage after completing construction on March 27, 2025.

The project is jointly developed by CHN Energy Hydrogen Energy Technology Co, Ltd, CIMC Raffles, and Guoneng Hydrogen Innovation Technology (Beijing) Co, Ltd.

It is China’s first full-scale demonstration project covering the entire process of hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and usage at sea.

At the heart of the project is a massive semi-submersible platform standing over 50 meters tall and weighing over 20,000 tons.

This floating unit is equipped with solar power systems and electrochemical energy storage devices, making it self-sufficient in energy.

It hosts three hydrogen production units, which include systems for both direct seawater electrolysis and freshwater electrolysis.

The platform also features a desalination module capable of producing 5 tons of freshwater each day to support hydrogen production.

One of the main goals of the project is to solve the problem of hydrogen storage and transport. To do this, the hydrogen generated offshore is converted into ammonia and methanol.

These can then be used as clean marine fuels or as essential raw materials for various industries.

The project uses offshore renewable energy to produce green hydrogen without relying on the power grid. It then turns the hydrogen into ammonia and methanol, making it easier to store and move, while helping reduce emissions in shipping and industry.

Construction of the facility began in September 2024 and the project passed the design compliance review by the China Classification Society (CCS) in January 2025.

Reference: chnenergy

Source: Maritime Shipping News