At the national key laboratory of Internal Combustion Engine Combustion Science, Tianjin University (TJU), a machine, identical to the powertrain of Jianglong, is in operation. [Photo by Wen Bo]

China's first methanol-powered ship, Jianglong Ship, was commissioned in Zhongshan Jianglong Shipbuilding Co Ltd on September 25.

Over 2,000 kilometers away, Professor Yao Chunde, Deputy Director of the national key laboratory of Internal Combustion Engine Combustion Science, Tianjin University, closely watched the returning feedback data. 

Yao Chunde said that this initial and successful application of "methanol/diesel binary combustion technology", developed by several researchers at the laboratory, on this fleet of ships may reduce soot emissions by 50% to 70%. This news heralds a significant milestone in the use of "methanol" fuel in domestic ships. 

The green "Jianglong Ship", with a length of nearly 40 meters and a width of 8 meters, has a deadweight of 172 tons, and a moulded depth of 2.7 meters. It is a test ship jointly developed by Jianglong Shipbuilding, Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Co Ltd and TJU. 

At the national key laboratory of Internal Combustion Engine Combustion Science, Tianjin University (TJU), a machine, identical to the powertrain of Jianglong, was in operation. Yao Chunde said that if the parameter problem of the test ship couldn't be solved, then the laboratory could simulate its running state in real time and provide a solution. 

"Early next month, we will send a team to Zhongshan to participate in the final commissioning of the Jianglong Ship, which is expected to be completed soon," said Yao Chunde. Upon completion of the trial voyage, Jianglong Shipbuilding plans to promote the Jianglong Ship as a mother class ship to its customers. 

In recent years, Jianglong Ship building has obviously been driving the research and development of clean energy ships as the company's strategy. In addition to methanol fuel powered ships, the research and development of other new types of clean energy powered boats, such as electric powered boats, hydrogen-fueled boats, and wind-solar hybrid powered boats, is taking place.