China Puts Fully-Electric, Intelligent Containership in Service [View all]

Published Apr 20, 2026 6:20 PM by The Maritime Executive

The first of two large, fully-electric containerships was placed in service in China. Built for Ningbo Ocean Shipping, they are being promoted as a key advancement in sustainability and China’s leadership in green shipping. The first are reported to be China’s first, the largest intelligence containerships powered entirely by electricity.

The Ning Yuan Dian Kun has a capacity of 740 TEU and is designed for China’s coastal shipping trade. It will be sailing between Ningbo-Zhoushan and Jiaxing. It is a trip of approximately 70 nautical miles and an important feeder route.

The ships were developed jointly by two divisions of China State Shipbuilding (CSSC), the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute, and Shanghai Marine Equipment Research Institute for the electric propulsion system. The ships each measure approximately 128 meters (420 feet) in length.

The vessels are equipped with 10 container-sized batteries with a total power supply of approximately 19,600 kWh. They supply two 875 kW permanent-magnet synchronous propulsion motors. Reports have said the ships will have a top speed of approximately 11.5 knots. They reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 1,462 tonnes per year versus conventional ships. They report the propulsion system is highly responsive with virtually no delay, and the electric motor reduces most noise from the vessels while in operation.
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