VESSEL REVIEW | Luse Chuanbo 3 – Electric newbuild to perform surveys of Yangtze River

Chinese shipbuilder Changjiao Group Xiang Shipbuilding Industry has completed construction of a new survey vessel that will operate entirely on electrical power.

Named Luse Chuanbo 3 (“Green Ship 3”), the newbuild will be operated in the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges Reservoir on duties including topographic and hydrographic surveys and riverbed analysis. The vessel will perform these functions to help maintain the navigability of the Yangtze River, particularly its upper and middle portions.

The vessel has an LOA of 34.37 metres, a beam of 6.5 metres, a draught of 1.35 metres, a depth of 2.6 metres, and four lithium iron phosphate battery packs with a total rated output of 2,512 kWh. The batteries drive two 313kW electric motors to propel the vessel without generating noise or emissions, allowing the collection of more accurate waterway data during surveys and other measuring activities.

The onboard equipment includes a multi-beam echosounder, a dual-frequency sounder, an acoustic Doppler current profiler, and a LIDAR. Space is also available for unmanned surface and aerial vehicles.

Luse Chuanbo 3 was built in compliance to China Classification Society requirements.

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