China 

China launches the world's largest fully electric container ship, the Greenwater 01, powered solely by batteries, cutting carbon emissions and setting a new standard for sustainable shipping.

China has taken a significant leap forward in maritime sustainability with the launch of the Greenwater 01, the world's largest fully electric container ship. Developed and manufactured by the state-owned China Ocean Shipping Group (Cosco), this vessel marks a pivotal moment in the shipping industry's transition towards greener practices.

Powered entirely by batteries, the Greenwater 01 is set to operate between Shanghai and Nanjing on a weekly basis. Its maiden voyage on Monday heralded a new era of emission reduction and environmental responsibility in maritime transportation. With each 100 nautical miles it sails, the ship can save an impressive 3,900 kilograms (8,600 pounds) of fuel, consequently cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 12.4 tonnes.

Cosco has underscored the ship's potential to significantly reduce emissions throughout the year, aligning with global efforts to peak carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. By eliminating emissions, pollution, and noise from its operations, the Greenwater 01 sets a new standard for sustainability in the shipping industry.

The vessel's remarkable features include a main battery capacity exceeding 50,000 kilowatt-hours, with the flexibility to accommodate additional battery boxes for extended voyages. These battery boxes, similar in size to standard 20-foot containers, can be loaded onto the ship to augment its travel range. According to Captain Wang Jun, with 24 battery boxes, the Greenwater 01 can complete a journey consuming 80,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, far surpassing the efficiency of traditional fuel-powered vessels.

Cosco highlights several world records broken by the Greenwater 01, including its length, breadth, container capacity, deadweight tonnage, and battery capacity. At approximately 120 meters (394 feet) in length and 24 meters wide, the ship boasts dimensions equivalent to 10 basketball courts, yet maintains a maximum speed of around 19 kilometers per hour (12 miles per hour).

Safety remains a paramount concern in the operation of electric vessels. Following docking, port officers conduct thorough inspections of the battery packs and onboard fire detection and alarm systems. Crew members undergo specialized fire training to handle emergencies, particularly those related to lithium iron phosphate batteries. Zhang Lifu, an officer at Yangshan Port in Shanghai, emphasizes the importance of early detection and swift response to potential fire accidents, given the unique challenges posed by these batteries.

In conclusion, the launch of the Greenwater 01 marks a significant milestone in the maritime industry's pursuit of sustainability. By harnessing the power of electric propulsion, China demonstrates its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing environmentally friendly practices in shipping. As the world witnesses the capabilities of this groundbreaking vessel, it signals a promising future for cleaner and more efficient maritime transportation.