By GMM Technologies | 2024-05-03 | Ship Building News |

The world’s largest entirely electrically powered container ship, the Greenwater 01, has begun regular service between the bustling Chinese cities of Shanghai and Nanjing.

This revolutionary vessel, designed and built by the renowned China Ocean Shipping Group (Cosco), symbolizes an iconic advancement in maritime transportation.

The Greenwater 01, powered solely by batteries, ushers in a new age of environmentally responsible transport operations.

The ship saves 3,900 kg of fuel per 100 nautical miles, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 12.4 tons.

The vessel’s maiden trip on Monday was historic, as it set sail with zero emissions, pollution, or noise.

Cosco stated on its WeChat social media account that it is confident in Greenwater 01’s ability to reduce emissions considerably throughout the year.

This ground-breaking project is consistent with the shipping industry’s ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and attain carbon neutrality.

Furthermore, it establishes a precedent for the industry’s shift toward sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The Greenwater 01 holds multiple world records, including length, breadth, container capacity, deadweight tonnage, and battery capacity.With a primary battery that exceeds 50,000 kw-hours, the ship may carry additional battery boxes for longer excursions.

These battery boxes, similar in size to ordinary 20-foot containers, allow the vessel to extend its trip range while maintaining versatility and efficiency.

Captain Wang Jun emphasized the ship’s extraordinary capabilities, particularly its capacity to finish a journey using 80,000 kw-hours of electricity and 24 battery boxes.

A typical container ship would need 15 tonnes of fuel for the same journey.

With a length of about 120 meters and a width of 24 meters, the Greenwater 01 has a formidable size, comparable to ten basketball courts, while maintaining a maximum speed of around 19 km per hour.

Safety precautions are critical in the operation of the Greenwater 01. Upon docking, port inspectors thoroughly assess the vessel’s battery packs and fire detection systems.

Crew members receive specialized fire training to address potential incidents, particularly those involving lithium-iron phosphate batteries.

Zhang Lifu, an officer at Shanghai’s Yangshan Port, emphasized the necessity of proactive measures, adding that crew members are trained to detect fire in battery boxes and respond promptly.

The Greenwater 01 is a significant step toward sustainable maritime methods, demonstrating China’s dedication to environmental conservation and carbon reduction efforts.

As the vessel navigates the waterways between Shanghai and Nanjing, it epitomises maritime innovation and growth, inspiring similar projects worldwide.

Reference: TOI