VESSEL REVIEW | Zhujiang Wangzi – All-electric tour boat for nighttime sailings along China’s Pearl River

A new all-electric vessel has begun sailing on nighttime sightseeing excursions of the Pearl River in Ghuangzhou province in southern China.

Named Zhujiang Wangzi (“Pearl River Prince”), the newbuild has all-steel construction, a length of 42.5 metres, a beam of 12.5 metres, a depth of 3.2 metres, a maximum speed of 10 knots, and capacity for 486 passengers across two decks plus a sun deck. This capacity makes Zhujiang Wangzi the largest battery-powered inland sightseeing vessel built in China.

The newbuild is also one of nine all-electric sightseeing vessels that are presently operating on the Pearl River in compliance to the new environmental and vessel energy consumption regulations that are being implemented by the Guangzhou Port Authority. The goal of the regulations is to help promote the Pearl River nighttime electric cruise as a tourism activity that is accessible to both local and international visitors to Guangzhou province.

Amenities include a main restaurant/atrium, a private dining area/conference room, and a sun deck area with tables and chairs. The selection of facilities makes the vessel an ideal venue for hosting large corporate events and live entertainment activities or more private gatherings by families and other small groups. Large panoramic windows allow passengers to enjoy a full 360-degree view of the surroundings from anywhere on board the vessel.

Zhujiang Wangzi was built in compliance to China Classification Society (CCS) and China Maritime Safety Administration (CMSA) rules. CCS also said the vessel’s battery propulsion can help achieve a reduction of around 600 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. Charging of the batteries will require four to five hours and a maximum operating time of 10 hours is possible on a full charge, ensuring uninterrupted sailings even as hours-long events are being held on board.

Zhujiang Wangzi is one of two newly built vessels that are being operated by Guangzhou Chenggang Tourism Development Company on the Pearl River.

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