China has launched its first zero-carbon sea–river intermodal shipping route in Zhejiang Province with the fully electric containership, the Ningyuan Dianpeng, reported splash247. The route connects Jiaxing Port and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, which is busiest port in the world in terms of cargo tonnage.

The service, which went into operation on June 30 and combines inland and coastal shipping. Cargo is moved on electric inland vessels to Jiaxing Port and then transferred to the seagoing vessel for shipment to Ningbo-Zhoushan. According to reporting from China Daily, this setup provides exporters in the Yangtze River Delta with a practical lower-emission transport option that fits into existing supply chains.

According to reporting from Xinhua News, the vessel can handle 742 TEU and operates using containerized battery units. The vessel is expected to reduce fuel consumption by roughly 800 tons per year while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2,000 tons.

The route also delivers emissions savings at the cargo level, according to reporting by Xinhua News. Each container transported is estimated to lower emissions by about 60 kilograms and total annual reductions are projected at roughly 4,800 tons.

As reported by Splash 247, China’s progress is supported by coordinated development across shipbuilding, battery production, and port infrastructure, and backed by state policy, enabling faster transition from trial projects to commercially viable operations.

Source: splash247, China Daily, Xinhua news