🚢 Green Giant: World's Largest Pure Electric Cargo Ship "Gezhouba" Launched
YICHANG, CHINA—A significant milestone in global sustainable shipping was achieved with the recent commissioning of the "Gezhouba," the world's largest pure electric cargo vessel, on the Yangtze River. Launched in Yichang, Hubei Province, the vessel marks a key advancement in China's push for green and intelligent inland waterway transport.
Pioneering Zero-Emission Shipping
The Gezhouba is not only an impressive feat of engineering but also a powerful symbol of the maritime industry's shift toward decarbonization. With a deadweight tonnage of 13,740 tons, this all-electric bulk carrier stretches nearly 130 meters in length and is designed to transport bulk commodities along the vital Changjiang (Yangtze) River route.
Its all-electric propulsion is a massive step away from traditional fossil fuels. The vessel is powered by 12 sets of modular lithium-ion battery packs, boasting a total capacity of 24,000 kWh. This immense power system provides a cruising range of approximately 500 kilometers on a single charge. Crucially, the vessel is designed for rapid battery replacement—the modular packs can be swapped out in as little as 30 minutes, drastically reducing downtime and supporting continuous operations.
Environmental and Technological Impact
The environmental benefits of the Gezhouba are substantial. It is projected to replace approximately 617.5 tons of fuel oil and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 2,052 tons annually. This aligns with China's broader objectives for modernizing and greening the Yangtze River shipping corridor.
Beyond its electric power, the Gezhouba is a pioneer of intelligent shipping. It integrates advanced communication and navigation systems, including 4G, 5G, BeiDou navigation, and satellite communications. This multi-link network allows for remote navigation control and facilitates automated berthing and unberthing operations, setting a new benchmark for smart logistics and efficiency on inland waterways.
The successful launch of the Gezhouba, with its validation of core technologies like massive-capacity batteries and distributed DC integrated power systems, demonstrates the practical viability of large-scale, zero-emission solutions for the future of global freight transport.
0 Comments