On May 29, China commenced the construction of the world’s largest electric container ships, each with a capacity of 740 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) and zero emissions, powered entirely by electric motors.
Design graphic of China’s 740 TEU electric container ship. (Photo: Xinmin).
The two ships are independently designed by the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI), a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), and will be constructed by Jiangxi Jiangxin Shipbuilding Group.
With a length of 127.8 meters and a width of 21.6 meters, these ships are designed for domestic coastal transportation, specifically targeting the route between two ports in Zhejiang Province, one in Ningbo and the other in Jiaxing.
Upon completion, each ship will be capable of carrying more than 9,000 tons. With four cargo holds and seven open holds, these vessels are designed to streamline the loading and unloading process, as well as reduce port time, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
Additionally, the ships are equipped with advanced technologies, including an electric propulsion cabin at the stern and a wind-resistant superstructure at the bow to minimize vibrations and noise.
Each vessel is powered by ten battery packs with a total capacity of approximately 19,000 kilowatt-hours. For safety, the batteries are isolated from the living and cargo areas.
Furthermore, the ships are outfitted with fall and collision prevention platforms, along with a photovoltaic system to generate renewable energy and maintain momentum effectively even in fault mode.
The vessels can also charge quickly at ports using high-voltage shore power stations or by swapping batteries through a lifting mechanism.
Additionally, the ships will feature an integrated smart system platform that allows for real-time monitoring of the external environment, route planning, unmanned vessel control, and automatic collision avoidance. An onshore operation and maintenance center will support remote monitoring and control of equipment on both ships.
