Chinese state-owned company COSCO Shipping has made a significant stride towards sustainability in the marine logistics industry by launching the Green Water 01, which it claims to be the “world’s largest” river-to-sea electric container ship. The 10,000-ton+ fully electric vessel has begun service in China, marking a new era in eco-friendly marine transportation.
The Green Water 01: A Vessel of Superlatives
The Green Water 01 boasts an impressive array of specifications, setting multiple industry firsts. With a total length of 119.8 meters, a molded width of 23.6 meters, a molded depth of 9 meters, and a design draft of 5.5 meters, the electric container ship is the largest of its kind in terms of length, width, container capacity, and deadweight tonnage. The vessel can reach a maximum speed of 19.4 km/h (12 mph).
Massive Battery Capacity and Configurable Range
At the heart of the Green Water 01 is a large-capacity battery system combining for over 50,000 kWh of power. However, COSCO Shipping has designed the ship with flexibility in mind, allowing the number of battery modules to be configured based on the length of the voyage at sea. Additional 20-foot battery boxes, each offering 1,600 kWh of electricity, can be loaded onto the container to extend the ship’s range.
According to the ship’s captain, Wang Jun, when the Green Water 01 is equipped with 24 battery boxes, it can complete trips that consume 80,000 kWh of energy, equivalent to approximately 15 tons of fuel for a similar journey in a traditional container ship.
Significant Fuel Savings and Emission Reductions
The Green Water 01’s electric propulsion system offers substantial environmental benefits compared to its fossil fuel-powered counterparts. COSCO Shipping reports that the new electric container ship can save 3,900 kg (8,600 pounds) of fuel for every 100 nautical miles traveled, resulting in a reduction of 12.4 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Commencing Weekly Service in China
Following its successful launch, the Green Water 01 has begun weekly service between Shanghai and Nanjing, showcasing COSCO Shipping’s commitment to implementing sustainable solutions in its marine transport operations.
COSCO Shipping’s Role in China’s Maritime Industry
COSCO Shipping, a subsidiary of the state-owned multinational conglomerate China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company, is the largest liner carrier in China. The company transports hundreds of container vessels daily and provides ships to Chinese automakers to facilitate the export of electric vehicles to new markets overseas, including Europe.
As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, COSCO Shipping’s development of the Green Water 01 demonstrates its adaptation to the changing times and its dedication to promoting sustainability in marine logistics.
The launch of the Green Water 01 represents a significant step forward in the maritime industry’s transition towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions. As more companies like COSCO Shipping invest in electric and hybrid vessels, the sector can make substantial progress in reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Green Water 01 serves as a beacon of innovation and environmental responsibility, inspiring others in the industry to follow suit and embrace the future of eco-friendly marine logistics.
