China Unveils World’s First 10,000-Ton Pure Electric Cargo Vessel

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On October 24, a groundbreaking milestone was achieved as the world’s first all-electric container ship was launched near the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower station globally, situated in Yichang, central Hubei Province. With a deadweight capacity of 13,740 tons, this vessel, named Gezhouba, features 12 sets of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, allowing it to travel up to 500 kilometers on a single charge.

During the ceremonial launch, it was highlighted that the ship could potentially cut fuel use by approximately 617.5 tons annually and significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 2,052 tons each year. Built by a local shipbuilding firm, Gezhouba is designed for bulk cargo transport along the main route of the Yangtze River. Its deployment signifies a new chapter in China’s inland shipping, emphasizing zero emissions and smarter navigation technologies.

The vessel integrates new energy sources, advanced smart navigation, and control systems. An academic expert from the Chinese Academy of Engineering noted that the ship’s development has proven key technologies and laid the foundation for supporting infrastructure, offering essential technical guidance and an innovative model for sustainable growth within the Yangtze River shipping sector.

Yichang, a prominent manufacturing hub for inland freight vessels, saw the construction of around 150 new ships last year, including 50 powered by clean energy, totaling 1.5 million tons of deadweight. Besides electric ships, the city has produced cutting-edge vessels such as China’s first liquefied natural gas-powered bulk carrier, the Changhang Huoyun 002; a fully electric tourism boat, the Yangtze River Three Gorges 1; and the nation’s inaugural hydrogen-powered vessel, Three Gorges Hydrogen Boat 1.

This year, the majority of vessel orders at the Yichang Shipbuilding Industrial Park—about 88 percent—were for new energy ships, according to Director Wang Xu. “The market has completely shifted,” he remarked.

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