China launched its largest all-electric bulk carrier in Yichang in Hubei Province on October 23.
The vessel, named Gezhouba, has a length of nearly 130m and a maximum load capacity of over 13,000 metric tons. It is equipped with 12 lithium battery power units, providing total energy capacity of 24,000kWh.
The carrier is designed to enable rapid battery swapping and has a range of 500km. It features an advanced smart control system that enables remote navigation and automatic berthing, integrated with multi-link communication networks.
Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Yan Xinping highlighted that the project goes beyond single-product innovation as it successfully validates core technologies like large-capacity batteries and distributed DC power systems.
The carrier is expected to save approximately 617 metric tons of fuel annually and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 2,052 metric tons.
In related news, Fully-electric River Thames sightseeing vessel to begin operations this autumn