Jining-based Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding Co Ltd announced to start the construction of a 182 TEU pure-electric container ship for CMA CGM, a French shipping company, on June 10.

This is not only the first time a pure-electric inland river vessel from China to be used for international shipping, but also marks Jining Energy Group's entry into the global shipbuilding market with its "green intelligent manufacturing" capabilities.

The concept picture of the 182 TEU pure-electric container ship by Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding Co Ltd in Jining, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/Iqilu News]

The model of the 182 TEU pure-electric container ship. [Photo/Haibao News]

The ship, which is scheduled to be operational in 2026, will sail from Binh Duong province to Cai Mep Port in Vietnam. It measures 79.9 meters in length, 15 meters in width, and has a design draft of 4.1 meters.

The vessel has a carrying capacity of 3,500 metric tons and is equipped with a battery energy storage system provided by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. It features four replaceable containerized batteries, each with a capacity of 1,959 kilowatt-hours. The ship is designed to be zero-carbon, with strong cargo-carrying capabilities and efficient operation and maintenance.

This innovative vessel is expected to transport over 50,000 TEUs annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 778 tons per year. It represents a significant step forward in China's efforts to expand its presence in the international market for new energy inland river vessels and to lead a global green transformation in inland shipping.