Image from: Wuhu Shipyard
Wuhu Shipyard & Germany’s Tamm Media Partner for Green Shipping Push in Europe
China’s Wuhu Shipyard has embarked on a significant initiative to advance green shipping technology within Europe, as evidenced by its recent cooperation agreement with Germany’s Tamm Media. The agreement, signed on June 24, 2025, establishes a joint research and development framework focused on electric and hydrogen propulsion systems as well as energy-efficient ship designs tailored to inland waterways and short-sea routes.
Under the terms of the partnership, Wuhu Shipyard and Tamm Media will collaborate closely on the design and optimization of vessels to produce efficient, low-emission solutions specifically adapted to European maritime conditions. The agreement also encompasses demonstration projects across Europe, which will support the localization of production, the establishment of regionally based supply chains, and the integration of European standards in operations and environmental management.
Wuhu Shipyard emphasised that the alliance is “a key step to actively integrate into the global green shipping chain and expand the high-end marine network”. Leveraging the expertise of its subsidiary, San Dian Shui New Energy Technology—also referred to as Tri-Water New Energy Technology—the shipbuilder will deploy cutting-edge electric and hydrogen propulsion technologies as well as smart ship systems in cooperation with European maritime stakeholders.
This development aligns with a broader trend of China–EU collaboration in green infrastructure and energy transformation, driven by Europe’s stringent decarbonization targets and China’s growing leadership in clean-tech manufacturing. Notably, it follows other efforts such as the creation of green shipping corridors between Chinese and European ports, which aim to promote shore power, clean fuel bunkering, and optimized freight logistics.
The Wuhu–Tamm alliance addresses critical opportunities in European inland and short-sea shipping, where alternative fuels and energy efficiency are poised to play pivotal roles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By demonstrating low-emission vessels in actual operational settings, this partnership could catalyze the wider adoption of clean maritime technologies across the continent.
Looking ahead, observers will monitor the deployment of prototype vessels—potentially by 2026—and the broader adoption of these technologies in European inland fleets. Successful demonstration projects could spur regulatory support, standard-setting, and expansion into coastal shipping services. Ultimately, the collaboration not only accelerates maritime decarbonization but also represents a strategic milestone in China’s export of green shipping solutions to the global market.
