In China, China Daily reports construction began on two 3,000 ton methanol hybrid container vessels February 6 at Chenglong Shipyard in Qingyuan, marking the first methanol hybrid project of its scale in the Pearl and West River basins and introducing a dual energy model to South China’s inland shipping sector.
The vessels are jointly invested by Zhonghe Qingneng and Sunwoda Power and are classed by China Classification Society. The project adopts a methanol refueling and electric drive configuration that combines battery propulsion with a methanol generator set, addressing the limited range associated with fully electric inland vessels while maintaining low noise and reduced emissions characteristics.
Sunwoda Power is supplying a high rate battery system designed for complex inland river conditions, supported by thermal management technology. Changhang Group Wuhan Electric Machinery said the vessels incorporate a lifecycle oriented, modular power architecture, reserving space for future battery replacement or propulsion upgrades to align with evolving carbon standards.
Representatives from Shenzhen marine authorities, Qingyuan Maritime Safety Administration and CCS inspection teams attended the groundbreaking ceremony. CCS Shaoguan stated it will assign a dedicated inspection team to oversee construction quality.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
