On October 10, Jiangxi Pi Ship Technology Development kicked off the construction of a series of 16 18,000-ton methanol-electric hybrid multi-purpose vessels for Jiangxi Tongdu Green Shipping Technology at Workshop 203 of the Section Manufacturing Department at New jiazhou Shipbuilding Heavy Industry.
As the largest-tonnage and longest-range new energy vessel currently operating on the Changjiang River route, this 18,000-ton methanol-electric hybrid multi-purpose vessel series features an overall length of 139.6 meters, a beam of 25.6 meters, a depth of 8 meters, and a full load draft of 7 meters (bulk cargo) / 6 meters (container).
The vessels employ a methanol-battery hybrid propulsion system with dual engines, dual propellers, and dual rudders, has a cruising range of ≥2,750 kilometers, a self-sustaining capacity of 15 days, and covers inland waterway areas A and B.
This series of vessels will be classified by the China Classification Society (CCS) and will be designed and constructed in strict compliance with CCS regulations. Guided by the dual carbon goals, the green transformation of inland waterway shipping is imperative. Compared to traditional vessels, this series significantly reduces pollutant emissions—with particulate matter (PM) emissions cut by over 98% and nitrogen oxide emissions reduced by 82%—perfectly aligning with green shipping requirements.
It is understood that in response to the national dual-carbon development strategy, New Jiazhou Shipbuilding Heavy Industry established its Specialized Vessels Division in October 2024 and incubated Jiangxi Pi Ship Technology Development Co., Ltd. in July 2025. The commencement of construction for this 18,000-ton methanol-electric hybrid multi-purpose vessel series not only marks a pivotal step for Jiangxi Pi Ship Technology Development in implementing its “ship-port-shipping-trade integration” development model but also injects momentum into establishing the New Jiazhou New Energy Shipbuilding Base.