Jiangxin Shipyard in Jiangxi, China, has launched the first of two electric feeder vessels for Ningbo Ocean Shipping. The vessel is the first of two booked in May 2024.

The first vessel will now undergo outfitting and sea trials, with delivery expected in early 2026. The feeders are thought to be the largest all-electric vessels produced in China to date.

The vessels were designed by Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute

Ningbo Ocean Shipping is a Shanghai-based subsidiary of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group.

While COSCO has previously launched inland boxships and container vessels, the Ningbo feeders are expected to be the largest oceangoing all-electric vessels operating in Chinese waters.

Vessel details:

Capacity: 742 TEU
Dimensions: 127.8m length, 21.6m beam, 10.5m depth, 6.2m design draft
Propulsion: 10 containerized battery units enabling high-voltage shore charging and fast battery-swapping modes, generating up to 19,000 KWh. The batteries will drive two 875 KW permanent magnet propulsion motors, with a maximum speed of 11.5 knots.
Smart systems: Equipped with an intelligent integrated platform and smart engine room supporting autonomous navigation, real-time situational awareness, collision avoidance, and multiple driving modes