On October 23, the "6006 Pure Electric Multi-Purpose Cargo Ship" developed by CATL Electric Ship Technology Co., Ltd. was successfully selected as a "Landmark Case of National Transportation and Energy Integration Innovation Development in 2025" by China Communications and Transportation Association. As China's first demonstration project for battery swapping among cargo ships featuring overall ship-station delivery and independent operations, this ship provides a replicable and promotable model for the green transformation of inland waterway shipping across the nation.

Innovative Model Addresses Industry Pain Points, Setting a New Benchmark for Zero-Carbon Shipping

The Jining "6006" pure electric cargo ship has a length of 67.6 meters, a width of 12.66 meters, and a load capacity of nearly 2,000 tons. It is equipped with two containerized power sources with a total capacity of up to 3,919 kWh. Operating between Liangshan Port and Longgong Port in the Jining section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the ship can sail 230 km on a full charge and complete fast battery swapping within 15 minutes, enabling efficient operation.

The Jining "6006" pure electric cargo ship is constructed, owned, and operated by Shandong Ronghui Ship Technology Co., Ltd., a joint venture between CATL and Jining Energy Development Group Co., Ltd. (Jining Energy). It fully integrates CATL's integrated full-scenario technical solutions for ship terminals, shore terminals, and cloud terminals, as well as Jining Energy's advantages in port, shipbuilding, cargo, and logistics resources. It has built a full-scenario, full-cycle, and full-chain solution covering “three-electric” system integration, ship construction, ship leasing, charging and swapping facility construction, and operation and maintenance, setting a new benchmark for the promotion of electric cargo ships.

Significant Economic and Social Benefits, Boosting Regional Green Development

Economically, the energy and maintenance costs of this ship are significantly lower than those of traditional fuel-powered ships of the same specifications, and it can effectively save 50.4 tons of fuel consumption annually.

Environmentally, the ship achieves zero carbon emissions throughout its operation, eliminating emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. This is of great significance for improving air quality in the areas along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and protecting local natural ecosystems.

Industrially, the project has driven the formation and development of the local green shipping industry chain, helped build a modern inland ship industry system, and promoted the construction of a new energy transportation pilot zone along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, further establishing it as a key demonstration case for ship electrification.

The selection of the Jining "6006" pure electric cargo ship as a national-level landmark case marks that the electric ship solution represented by the "6006" has passed authoritative verification. It provides a clear path for the green transformation of China's inland waterway shipping, and the industry is subsequently expected to enter a new stage of large-scale integrated development.