China has taken another step towards zero-emission coastal shipping with the delivery of Turing, a 200-TEU fully electric intelligent container vessel developed by Wuhan University of Technology Ship Co., Ltd.
The vessel is reportedly the first in China to apply for the China Classification Society’s (CCS) R1 Intelligent Ship additional class notation, highlighting its advanced autonomous navigation and intelligent vessel management capabilities.
Measuring 71.8 metres in length, 20.6 metres in beam and 6.8 metres in depth, Turing has a deadweight capacity of approximately 3,000 tonnes and can carry 206 TEUs. Its electric propulsion system delivers a total power output of 900 kW.
The vessel incorporates remote-control operations, autonomous navigation, intelligent decision-making and online equipment diagnostics. Its fully electric power system combines high- and low-voltage shore charging facilities with battery-container swapping technology, enabling flexible energy replenishment and supporting continuous operations.
A key feature is its advanced immersion-cooled battery system, which is expected to help reduce exhaust emissions by approximately 1,645 tonnes annually, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable coastal shipping operations.
Turing will initially be deployed on a feeder service connecting the Dagang and Qianwan areas of Qingdao Port. Plans are also in place to extend its operations to Dongjiakou, Rizhao and other ports along the Shandong coast.
The delivery underscores China’s growing focus on integrating electric propulsion, intelligent navigation and alternative energy replenishment technologies into coastal shipping, accelerating the transition towards greener and smarter maritime transportation.