Yichang shipbuilders secure more orders for green vessels
2025-07-10 19:07:32
By Yan Wanqin.
China's initiative to replace aging transport vessels has spurred a significant increase in new orders for shipbuilding companies in Yichang. New energy vessels now account for over 87 percent of these contracts.
Companies in the Yichang Shipbuilding Industrial Park in Zhijiang have secured orders for more than 114 new energy vessels, totaling over 5 billion yuan (US$696 million). These vessels will utilize electric propulsion systems, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and methanol, with orders set to continue through the third quarter of 2026.
The "Jingpeng 1009," an LNG vessel built by Hubei Dongchuan Heavy Industries, was launched in Zhijiang on July 1.
China's initiative to replace aging transport vessels has spurred a significant increase in new orders for shipbuilding companies in Yichang. New energy vessels now account for over 87 percent of these contracts.
Companies in the Yichang Shipbuilding Industrial Park in Zhijiang have secured orders for more than 114 new energy vessels, totaling over 5 billion yuan (US$696 million). These vessels will utilize electric propulsion systems, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and methanol, with orders set to continue through the third quarter of 2026.
The "Jingpeng 1009," an LNG vessel built by Hubei Dongchuan Heavy Industries, was launched in Zhijiang on July 1.
"Jingpeng 1009" was launched into the water in Zhijiang. Photo by Lu Yao.The nearly 130-meter-long vessel, measuring 7.2 meters deep and 16.26 meters wide, is designed to carry both containers and bulk cargo. Compared to conventional fuel-powered ships, it can significantly reduce emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
The company plans to launch about 10 additional LNG vessels in the second half of this year, according to Xu Hongsheng, the deputy general manager.
Meanwhile, workers at Zhijiang Jiangbo Shipbuilding, another key player in the park, are constructing 16 more 130-meter LNG vessels for service along the Yangtze River.
Tan Jinlong, chairman of Jiangbo Shipbuilding, noted that these ships can cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent while nearly eliminating sulfur and nitrogen oxides. "We aim to collaborate with industry partners to establish an R&D, manufacturing, and testing base for smart vessels, driving the green transition of Yangtze River shipping," Tan added.
Zhijiang, a major shipbuilding hub in Yichang, hosts 20 shipbuilding companies and eight design firms. It has an annual production capacity of 150 vessels (1.3 million deadweight tons) and generates an output value of 4 billion yuan. The hub has received 157 new ship orders, with 130 vessels under construction and 32 completed.
