- Greenwater 01 becomes the world’s largest fully electric container ship, launched by China Ocean Shipping Group (COSCO).
- Capable of carrying 700 TEU with a range of 1,000 km, it runs entirely on modular battery power, eliminating diesel use.
- Reduces nearly 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, setting a new benchmark for zero-emission maritime logistics.
China Ocean Shipping Group (COSCO) has launched Greenwater 01, the world’s largest fully electric container ship,, reports Marine Insight.
World’s largest fully electric container ship
This groundbreaking vessel, measuring 120 meters in length and 24 meters in width, is designed to operate with zero emissions. It recently began regular service between Shanghai and Nanjing, capable of completing nearly 1,000 kilometers along the Yangtze River on a single full charge when outfitted with additional battery modules.
The ship boasts a cargo capacity of approximately 700 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) and over 10,000 deadweight tons, making it the heaviest all-electric cargo vessel built in China to date. Its central battery system delivers more than 50,000 kilowatt-hours of power, and the design allows for up to 24 modular battery containers—each with 1,600 kilowatt-hours—bringing the total potential capacity to around 80,000 kilowatt-hours. The Greenwater 01 cruises at a steady speed of about 19.4 kilometers per hour.
One of the key highlights of the vessel is its environmental impact. It eliminates the need for traditional marine fuel, saving roughly 3,900 kilograms of diesel per 100 nautical miles and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 12.4 tonnes over the same distance. Over the course of a year, this translates to nearly 2,918 tonnes of CO₂ avoided, equivalent to the annual emissions of several thousand passenger vehicles. Additionally, the electric propulsion significantly reduces noise and air pollution, offering a cleaner, quieter alternative to conventional ships.
The ship’s modular design enhances both operational efficiency and energy flexibility. Battery containers can be swapped or recharged at port terminals, allowing energy storage to be scaled based on route length and cargo demand. Safety remains a top priority, with the crew trained to handle lithium-ion battery risks and the vessel outfitted with advanced fire detection and suppression systems tailored for battery compartments.
Greenwater 01 represents a major milestone in electric maritime innovation. It sets multiple records: the longest range for an electric container ship, the largest battery capacity, and the highest container volume for a vessel of its class. Its success highlights the growing viability of zero-emission cargo shipping and signals a significant step toward sustainable maritime logistics. Larger electric vessels are already under construction, reflecting rapid progress in the transition to green shipping technologies.
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Source: Marine Insight
