World-first electric cargo ship launched

THE world’s first all-electric cargo coal ship has been launched in Guangzhou, China.

Manufactured by Guangzhou Shipyard International Company, the 70.5m ship will be used to carry coal for the generation of electric power, in the inland section of the Pearl River.

However, the ship can only run 80km after being charged for two hours, with a top speed of 12.8km per hour.

Guangzhou Shipyard International Company general manager Chen Ji told China Daily the ship will omit zero emissions of waste gas pollutants and will greatly reduce shipping costs for electric power operators.