VESSEL REVIEW | Donghu Zhixing – Electric vessel for day and night tours off Ningde, China

Chinese shipbuilder Funing Shipbuilding Industry has completed construction of a sightseeing vessel powered entirely by electricity.

Donghu Zhixing (东湖之星; “East Lake Star”) was designed by Wuhan Yangtze River Ship Design Institute in compliance to China Classification Society rules, particularly the Green Ship-3 notation that indicates the highest grade of environmental compliance for vessels that sail along inland waterways. The vessel will be operated by the Ningde Tourism Development Group in the waters off the city of Ningde in Fujian province, making it the first pure electric passenger vessel in regular use in the city, which has begun incorporating measures intended to reduce emissions from maritime tourism and other forms of shipping.

The vessel has a steel hull, an aluminium superstructure, an LOA of 26.67 metres (87.5 feet), a beam of six metres (19.6 feet), a design draught of only 0.8 metre (2.62 feet), a depth of 1.6 metres (5.2 feet), and two decks that can accommodate a total of 58 passengers. The hull and the superstructure are connected through a steel-aluminium composite joint.

The propulsion system consists of a CATL Electric Ship 293.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two 40kW rudder propellers. This configuration delivers a maximum speed of just over eight knots and a service speed of five knots as well as reduced emissions, noise, and vibrations, thus ensuring greater comfort for passengers. A single full charge of the batteries will enable the vessel to sail up to 17 nautical miles.

Wuhan Changhai Shipbuilding Technology Development provided Donghu Zhixing’s DC power distribution system, AC power distribution system, permanent magnet motor, side thruster, energy management system, and remote operation and maintenance system. Times Motor meanwhile supplied the vessel with a high-efficiency motor.

The layout of the interior spaces can be rearranged to serve specific onboard activities such as private banquets and corporate events.