China's 10,000-ton electric container ship Ning Yuan Dian Kun enters commercial service, the world's largest of its kind

China has introduced the 10,000-ton electric container ship Ning Yuan Dian Kun, described as the world’s largest vessel of its kind. The ship is powered entirely by electric propulsion and is designed to deliver smart, high-efficiency performance.

Ship specifications and capacity

Ning Yuan Dian Kun measures 127.8 meters in length, 21.6 meters in beam, and has a design draft of 6.2 meters. The vessel has a capacity of 742 TEU.

Its propulsion system uses two 875 kW synchronous permanent-magnet motors. The ship is equipped with 10 container-type batteries totaling around 20,000 kWh, which is described as equivalent to the capacity of about 300 household electric vehicles.

Fuel savings and emissions reduction

The ship is expected to save about 580 tonnes of fuel annually and reduce CO2 emissions by about 1,462 tonnes per year.

It is designed to be zero-emission and noise-free during operation.

Charging, operating design, and automation

According to public information, Ning Yuan Dian Kun uses a two-mode charging system, drawing high-voltage shore power and enabling rapid battery swaps to replenish energy efficiently and flexibly.

The vessel also features an open-deck design intended to enhance loading and unloading efficiency. Its bow shape is designed to reduce aerodynamic drag by 15–20%.

For navigation and safety, the ship is equipped with intelligent engine and navigation systems that support automatic collision avoidance and precise routing, with ship-to-shore-cloud integration.

Project significance and next vessel

Ma Hongmeng, a senior engineer at the Shanghai Institute of Research and Design for Maritime Transport, said the project—from approval to final delivery—demonstrates the full lifecycle of a carbon-free vessel characterized by electric propulsion, autonomous operation, and high operational efficiency, marking a milestone for China’s shipping sector.

Ma added that Ning Yuan Dian Kun reflects China’s coastal container transport moving into a new era of zero-emission, smart, and highly efficient operation, described as a prerequisite for achieving carbon neutrality and supporting the energy transition in maritime transport.

The ship’s name, Kun, is derived from a character in the classic Zhuangzi. A second vessel, Ning Yuan Dian Peng, is planned for sea trials in May and handover in June. Peng refers to a giant mythical bird.

Company fleet and operational plan

Ning Ba Shipping Co. currently operates 32 environmentally friendly and energy-efficient ships, representing 57% of its fleet. Chen Xiaofeng, President of Ning Ba Shipping, said the two-vessel project reflects the company’s commitment to green transformation in maritime transport and China’s dual-carbon goals.

According to leadership, once both ships are in service, they will operate as an environmentally friendly maritime transport system on fixed routes.