BEIJING – China has launched the world’s largest all-electric river cargo ship, marking a major step forward in sustainable maritime transport.
The newly unveiled vessel, named “Gezhouba”, is powered entirely by lithium batteries instead of traditional fuel, highlighting the country’s ongoing commitment to clean energy innovation.
The 130-meter-long vessel can carry up to 13,000 tons of cargo and operates using 12 lithium battery power units, which together provide an impressive 24,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity.
Engineers behind the project say the ship’s batteries can be quickly swapped out, allowing for efficient operation and reducing downtime. With a maximum range of 500 kilometers, the vessel is designed for high-capacity, short- to mid-range river transport.
Equipped with an advanced smart control system, the ship offers remote navigation and automatic berthing capabilities—technologies that enhance both safety and operational precision.
Chinese media reports that the all-electric vessel is expected to save 617 tons of fuel annually and cut carbon emissions by around 2,000 tons per year—a significant contribution toward the country’s carbon neutrality goals.
The Gezhouba ship is seen as a model for the future of green shipping, setting new standards for sustainable transport along China’s extensive inland waterways.
