In a seminal development for China’s expansive inland shipping sector, a battery-electric container vessel is set to be commissioned during the autumn on the Yangtze River. The 700TEU newbuild was launched on July 26 at the premises of COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry(Yangzhou), where the second-of-class was laid down in May.

The unique newbuild type employs a high-capacity energy storage system based on exchangeable batteries, which will feed two 900kW main propulsion electric motors. The project signals the adoption of fully battery-powered vessels on the inland waterways system, and is in keeping with the Chinese Government endeavour to promote ‘green’ investment along the Yangtze River Economic Belt.