Zhejiang Hydrogen Energy Launches Tender for Operational Services of Its First 64TEU Hydrogen Fuel Cell Container Ship
Key Insights
Zhejiang Hydrogen Energy has initiated an open tender for operational services of China's first 64TEU hydrogen fuel cell container ship, with a budget of 680,000 yuan.
The 64.9-meter vessel, equipped with a 240KW hydrogen fuel cell and 600kg storage, will operate on the Zhapu Port to Xiasha Port inland waterway.
This pioneering project aims to achieve zero emissions, promoting green transformation in inland waterway shipping and establishing a new vessel type in China.
The tender requires bidders to hold a "Waterway Transportation License" and submit documents by July 24, 2025, with no consortium bids accepted.
Zhejiang Hydrogen Energy Industry Development Co., Ltd., through its entrusted agent Jiaxing Zhongcheng Construction Consulting Co., Ltd., has launched an open tender for the operational services of Zhejiang's inaugural 64TEU hydrogen fuel cell-powered container ship. The tender, with a budget and maximum price limit of 680,000 yuan, signifies a critical advancement in China's green transformation of inland waterway shipping.
This pioneering vessel, measuring 64.9 meters in length, is engineered with a 240-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell system and a hydrogen storage module capable of holding approximately 600 kilograms of hydrogen. It is slated for deployment on the inland waterway route connecting Zhapu Port to Xiasha Port, aiming to achieve zero emissions during operation. As the country's first inland hydrogen fuel cell container ship, this project, fully invested and constructed by Zhejiang Hydrogen Energy Industry Development Co., Ltd., is designed to bridge a significant gap in domestic hydrogen fuel cell vessel types and catalyze the decarbonization of the sector.
Prospective bidders for the operational services must possess a valid "Waterway Transportation License" and adhere to Article 22 of the Government Procurement Law, ensuring they are not listed on any dishonest registries. Consortium bids are explicitly not accepted. The deadline for registration is set for 17:00 on July 10, 2025, with tender documents due by 9:30 on July 24, 2025. The tender opening will take place on the fourth floor of the Jiaxing Port Area Public Resources Trading Center. Required registration documents, including a business license and power of attorney, must be submitted via email, and notably, no tender deposit is required.
This initiative underscores China's commitment to leveraging hydrogen technology for environmental sustainability in its logistics infrastructure. The successful operation of this vessel could serve as a blueprint for expanding hydrogen-powered fleets across China's extensive network of rivers and canals, providing a tangible pathway for reducing carbon footprints in a high-volume transportation segment. Industry observers anticipate that this project will not only enhance operational efficiency through advanced clean energy solutions but also stimulate further innovation and investment in the domestic hydrogen supply chain and maritime technology sectors.