China's large-scale solid-state hydrogen storage equipment to achieve the first hydrogen charging state sea export transportation

The reporter learned from the Maritime Safety Administration of the Ministry of Transport that on March 11, a large solid-state hydrogen storage device that had completed hydrogen charging operations was successfully shipped from the Waigaoqiao Port Area in Shanghai. This marks the first time China has achieved maritime export transportation of large solid-state hydrogen storage equipment in a hydrogen-charged state, signifying a new breakthrough in China's independently developed solid-state hydrogen storage technology in the field of hydrogen energy storage and transportation.

The magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage equipment shipped this time is destined for Malaysia, as part of a formal commercial order from an overseas customer, and will be used in local hydrogen energy application projects. According to preliminary estimates by the company, the hydrogen transportation scale for related projects in 2026 is approximately 500 tons.

Hydrogen energy, due to its clean and low-carbon characteristics, is considered an important component of the future energy system. For a long time, large-scale, long-distance transportation of hydrogen energy has faced significant challenges due to factors such as cost, safety, and efficiency in the storage and transportation stages. Traditional hydrogen storage and transportation often rely on low-temperature liquefaction or high-pressure compression methods, which are not only costly but also have extremely stringent safety technical requirements. The magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage equipment shipped this time uses China's independently developed magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage materials and hydrogen absorption and release control technology, allowing hydrogen storage and transportation under normal temperature and pressure conditions. The single tank hydrogen storage capacity reaches 1 ton, with a cycle life exceeding 3000 times, offering high safety and storage and transportation efficiency.

Due to the lack of mature international precedents and clear transportation standards for maritime transportation of large solid-state hydrogen storage equipment in a hydrogen-charged state, the transportation preparation work faces significant challenges. To ensure the smooth shipment of hydrogen storage equipment, under the guidance of the Maritime Safety Administration of the Ministry of Transport, the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration and the Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration organized experts to conduct technical evaluations based on the needs of the enterprise, focusing on equipment characteristics, transportation conditions, and safety requirements. They provided full-chain verification and guidance on equipment structural integrity, safety accessory configuration, emergency response measures, and safe transportation conditions.

In response to the transportation characteristics of new hydrogen storage equipment, targeted guidance was provided to enterprises to assist in optimizing the protection plans for loading, unloading, and transportation stages, helping enterprises standardize and prepare for various tasks. To effectively ensure the smooth loading and efficient shipment of equipment, the maritime department adhered to the service-first philosophy, opening a "green channel" for government services to ensure the compliance and rapid processing of relevant procedures for hydrogen storage equipment.

At the loading site, the maritime department dispatched professional staff to provide on-site service throughout the process, closely cooperating with the enterprise to carry out loading operations, providing real-time technical support, and fully ensuring the safe and stable loading of equipment, ensuring the smooth progress of the transportation task.

Industry insiders believe that the successful shipment of large solid-state hydrogen storage equipment after hydrogen charging further expands the application scenarios of hydrogen energy storage and transportation, providing a new practical case for promoting the extension of the hydrogen energy industry chain and international cooperation in green low-carbon technology.