China has put in service a fully electric 740-TEU containership, the first of two. The vessels are equipped with 10 container-sized batteries with a total power supply of approximately 19,600 kWh. They supply two 875 kW permanent-magnet synchronous propulsion motors. Reports have said the ships will have a top speed of approximately 11.5 knots. The battery containers are swappable so that ships can ‘refuel’ at a quick stop.
The two planned vessels also have fully autonomous navigation capabilities.
This is the kind of advance we ought to see in every large maritime nation. For the US it would be useful to replace barge traffic on the Mississippi with electric propulsion using battery packs. While autonomous navigation would not be much use there, fully electric power would cut emissions to as low as they could go. Short-haul traffic elsewhere could also profit from such designs. Inland shipping in particular is a good target.
Investing in this type of ship is a way US shipbuilding could vault ahead. It could become the go-to place for battery electric designs. While China will still have a lead because of its early leadership in battery power and storage, the US could make a targeted move to catch up on specific designs.
Where are the entrepreneurs for this kind of effort?
Published Apr 20, 2026 6:20 PM by The Maritime Executive
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