A hydrogen fuel cell ship for taking passengers to and from the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka has been shown to media.

The boat is powered by electricity generated from hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is expected to be a next-generation energy source, as it does not emit carbon dioxide when burned.

The passenger service is aimed at showcasing Japan's decarbonization technology at the expo set to open in April.

The ship, named Mahoroba, is 33 meters long and can carry up to 150 people. Operators plan to run it at 10 knots, or about 20 kilometers per hour.

Around 130 kilograms of hydrogen can be loaded onboard. A new hydrogen station for ships has been set up at Kansai Electric Power Company's thermal power plant at Osaka Port.

The ship was developed by Iwatani Corporation. An official of the firm, Sano Yuichi, says passengers will feel an added sense of excitement as they travel to the expo venue. He says he hopes the boat will demonstrate the great potential of hydrogen.

The ship is scheduled to operate three days a week during the event. Routes include one that links Nakanoshima in Osaka, Universal City Port near Universal Studios Japan and Yumeshima, the expo site.