IN its continuing to push forward with its efforts to develop electric propulsion for shipping, China's coastal carrier Ningbo Ocean Shipping has ordered two vessels it is calling the first of their kind in the nation and the largest in the world.
This development follows COSCO's commissioning at the beginning of the year for the first two pure-electric container ships.
Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute developed the design for the vessels which will be built by Jiangxi Jiangxin Shipbuilding Co.
No construction timing was announced for the order, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.
The design concept, shape of the vessel, and the technology will all be harmonized to produce environmental protection. The power system will consist of 10 box batteries that will provide 19,000 kWh.
The batteries can either be swapped at the terminals or recharged with high-voltage shore power charging. There was no indication of range or endurance for the batteries. They said the batteries would be isolated from the crew for safety.
The design is an open-hatch container ship to reduce loading and unloading time.
Each vessel will have a capacity of 740 TEU, compared with the 700 TEU on COSCO's electric vessels. There will be seven cargo holds, providing more cargo space than on a conventional ship.
The dual-engine and dual-prop propulsion system will also improve maneuverability including in complex conditions. The propulsion system will be equipped with two 875-kW permanent magnet synchronous propulsion motors with a maximum speed of 11.5 knots.
The shape of the bow area provides a wind-reducing superstructure as well as helps in reducing noise and vibration. It will also add to the comfort of the crew.
Among the technologies aboard the vessel will be shore-based operation and maintenance monitoring. The systems will make it possible for the ship to be operated remotely. Aboard intelligence system integration will increase operating efficiency.
Ningbo Ocean Shipping plans to maintain a feeder service with the vessel.