Local shipbuilder launches Hubei’s first standard new-energy model

By Zhou Chunyi.

A local shipbuilder launched Hubei Province's first standard new-energy vessel model on June 10 in Yidu, Yichang City.

The 25-meter all-electric sightseeing ship, developed by Hubei Jianghui Marine Equipment Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Hubei Zhongnan Pengli Ocean Detection System Engineering Co. Ltd., marks a shift from traditional customized shipbuilding to a standardized mass production model.

The first 25-meter pure electric new energy sightseeing ship

"We now build ships like cars," General Manager Ma Gang said. He said the 80-seat vessel is low-noise and eco-friendly, suitable for city tours, scenic shuttles and night cruises. Customers can even choose interior options, like configuring a car.

The cabin is spacious and bright with comfortable seats. 

Standardized production cuts the selling price by about one-third, halves build time and reduces maintenance costs by roughly 40 percent. Zhongnan Pengli, whose former core business was marine radar, has delivered more than 30 vessels and has more than 10 on its order book. The new standard model has already received provisional orders from Henan Province and Yichang's Zigui County.

With this launch, Yidu's shipbuilding industry takes a key step from project-based to product-based manufacturing, supporting green shipping on the Yangtze River.

Fang Yonghua, Sun Yumin also contributed to this story.