VESSEL REVIEW | Jiangsu Ludu 3019 – Chinese electric car ferry for Yangtze River sailings

Chinese operator Jiangsu Zhenyang Ferry Company recently took delivery of a new double-ended, electric Ro-Pax ferry built by compatriot firm Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard.

Jiangsu Ludu 3019 has an LOA of 89.51 metres, a beam of 15.7 metres, a moulded depth of 3.5 metres, a gross tonnage of 1,318, and space for 185 passengers and up to 700 tonnes of vehicle cargo. Its dimensions make it one of the largest vehicle ferries currently in operation along the Yangtze River.

The electric propulsion system consists of motors, variable-speed diesel generators, and two high-performance supercapacitors, which boast peak shaving capability as well as significantly shorter charging times compared to lithium-ion batteries. The supercapacitors are also capable shouldering the vessel’s electrical power requirements in the event of an emergency, such as when the generators become inoperable. The generators are nonetheless water-cooled to control any increase in temperature during the vessel’s regular sailings.

The propulsion system delivers a service speed of just under 10 knots in addition to providing the ferry with enhanced manoeuvrability. The use of electric propulsion is in line with a national transport development plan that seeks to introduce car and passenger ferries with green technologies and energy-saving features while possessing cargo capacities similar to those of conventionally-powered vessels. The ferry therefore benefits from a seven per cent reduction in diesel fuel consumption compared to its conventionally-powered counterparts.

Jiangsu Ludu 3019 was built to a design by the Jiangsu Shipbuilding Research Institute. The China Shipbuilding Group, through one of its subsidiaries, meanwhile supplied the ferry’s electric propulsion system that also includes switchboards and a power management system.

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