The Chinese officials are highlighting the launch of the first of a new generation of highly energy-efficient inland cargo ships. The vessels feature a standardized design for mass production and will be the leaders in the modernization of China’s inland operations.
China’s New Generation Cargo Ships
The two ships were launched on August 22 at the Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding Company. One is 295 feet (90 meters) in length and fueled with LNG for container transport. The second vessel is 222 feet (67.6 meters) in length and uses a hybrid electric drive to transport general cargo. Among the innovations being promoted is that they were able to increase container capacity from 70 to 161 boxes. They also feature a fuel-efficient design.
Among the technologies employed are inland power packs for electric power as well as a gas-electric hybrid power system. The hull is low resistance. They predict the ships will have about six percent lower resistance which will produce at least a three percent energy savings. The deadweight of the vessels is five percent lower than older ships and through the use of LNG and batteries, emissions will be lowered by 90 percent. Carbon emissions with lowered by 15 percent.
