The world's first standard modular battery-swapping vessel, Hetun Weilan 01, has successfully completed its first commercial cargo voyage between Wuhu Port and Chaohu Port in Anhui Province, China, and has commenced its operations.

The inland waterway vessel, with a capacity of 3,000 dwt, departed from Wuhu Port with 49 standard containers and safely discharged its cargo at Chaohu Port.

The vessel operates using a modular battery-swapping system instead of traditional marine fuel. The system consists of six interchangeable batteries, each with a capacity of 430 kWh. A single battery can be swapped in approximately 5 minutes, while the entire system can be renewed in less than 30 minutes. This technology significantly reduces waiting times caused by fuel refueling.

The vessel has received battery-swapping system certification and ship inspection documents from the China Classification Society and has also obtained principal approval from Bureau Veritas and DNV.

The foundation of the system is a modular energy platform that allows the same batteries to be used in ships, land vehicles, and shore-based energy storage facilities.

The vessel's owner, Sandianshui New Energy Technology, aims to establish a port-centered integrated energy network where the same battery infrastructure can be shared among ships, port trucks, forklifts, and industrial energy storage systems.

It is noted that the battery-swapping technology, adapted from innovations in the automotive sector, is protected by over 370 technical patents. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with an automotive-grade electric propulsion system, an integrated motor management package, a collision avoidance system providing 360-degree visibility, and equipment ready for automatic docking.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye