By Jin Lu

China's first all-electric container ship with a displacement over 10,000 tons, the world's largest of its kind, entered commercial service on April 15, marking a step forward in the electrification of coastal shipping.

The vessel, Ning Yuan Dian Kun, departed from Ningbo Zhoushan Port for Jiaxing Port, a busy route traditionally served by fuel-powered ships. Designed by the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute, the ship uses a fully electric propulsion system with an integrated smart control system, enabling zero-emission and high efficiency. It measures 127.8 metres in length and 21.6 metres in width, with a design draft of 6.2 metres, and has a capacity of 742 TEU.

It is powered by 10 containerised battery units with a total capacity of around 20,000 kWh and two 875-kW permanent-magnet propulsion motors. The ship is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 1,462 tonnes a year compared with conventional vessels. Its noise level will also be significantly lower. An open-deck design improves cargo handling efficiency, while a streamlined bow reduces air resistance by 15% to 20%.

The vessel's name references "Kun," a giant fish in the ancient Chinese text Zhuangzi. Its sister ship, Ning Yuan Dian Peng — named after a mythical bird from the same work — is scheduled for sea trials in May and delivery in June. The two vessels are expected to operate together on fixed routes as part of a scaled-up green shipping network.

"This project reflects our commitment to greener shipping and to China's carbon reduction goals," said Chen Xiaofeng, chairman of Ningbo Ocean Shipping Co., Ltd., the operator of the vessels.