China's first pure electric inland container ship destined for the export market has completed river trials on the Jining section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, marking an exciting new milestone for Shandong's green shipbuilding sector.

The 182-TEU vessel, built by Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding Co for French shipping giant CMA CGM, finished its two-day trial along the Jining section of the canal on June 10. It passed all performance tests, including propulsion, maneuvering and steering, meeting the requirements of French classification society Bureau Veritas.

Measuring 79.9 meters by 15 meters, the ship has a deadweight tonnage of 3,500 metric tons. It is powered by four swappable 1,959 kilowatt-hour battery containers from CATL, enabling zero-emission operations within its 150-nautical-mile range. Once in service, the vessel is expected to make over 50,000 TEU trips annually and cut carbon emissions by about 778 tons per year.

This is CMA CGM's first order for an inland pure electric vessel. After being officially delivered, this ship will commence operations on the green route from Phu Yen province in Vietnam to Giam Me Port. With this successful trial, Shandong has demonstrated its ability to deliver integrated green shipping solutions, moving from "following" to "leading" in the country's new-energy inland shipbuilding industry.

The 182-TEU vessel made by Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding Co passes water trials in Shandong. [Photo/Shandian News]