The Yuanchun 001, the world's first methanol-electric hybrid ship designed for both cargo and passenger transport, embarked on its maiden voyage from Shanghai Port on Oct 20, ushering in a new chapter for green inland waterway shipping in China.

The inaugural voyage also saw Shanghai International Port Group and Geely Holding Group sign a strategic cooperation agreement to promote the application of methanol-electric technology in green shipping and green ports, further advancing the green transition of inland waterway shipping.

The vessel measures 64.9 meters long and 12.6 meters in width, with a depth of 3.5 meters and a deadweight of 1,500 tons. It can carry up to 64 standard containers and is equipped with two 280-kilowatt methanol generator sets, two sets of 258-kilowatt-hour lithium battery packs, and two 150-kilowatt propulsion motors.

By employing direct current grid technology and combining hybrid and pure electric operating modes, Yuanchun 001 achieves optimal synergy between methanol fuel and lithium battery energy storage.

Compared with diesel vessels of similar size, it reduces energy costs by 42 percent and emissions by 98 percent.

The global shipping industry is under growing pressure to decarbonize, as it accounts for about 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, or roughly 3 percent of the world's total.

Zhang Yingjie, an official from Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, said that the city will step up infrastructure development to support green shipping. Efforts will focus on expanding methanol refueling facilities for methanol-powered vessels and accelerating the construction of charging and battery swapping facilities for pure electric vessels.

The partnership between SIPG and Geely aims to integrate the resources and strengths of both parties to deepen cooperation in green shipping, green ports, and intelligent operations, with applications extending to non-road mobile machinery, yard transport vehicles, and barges.

Wang Zhaoxing, senior vice president of Geely Holding Group, said that their cooperation will accelerate the energy application transition and gradually reduce dependence on traditional fossil energy.

"We will build a green and sustainable liquid new energy development model to contribute 'Chinese wisdom' and 'Chinese solutions' to the global green transition," Wang added.

At the event, Geely Holding Group also displayed several of its methanol-electric heavy-duty trucks, showcasing its technological capabilities and commitment to the development of new energy systems.

Source: Shanghai Observer