Splash247: Battery-swapping technology makes commercial shipping debut

Published by Splash247

The world’s first standard modular battery‑swapping ship, Hetun Weilan 01, has entered commercial operation after completing its maiden cargo trip between Wuhu Port and Chaohu Port in China’s Anhui province.

The 3,000 dwt inland‑waterway vessel left Wuhu Port with 49 standard containers and safely arrived at Chaohu Port, where it discharged its cargo.

The vessel does not rely on traditional marine fuel. Instead, it uses a modular battery‑swapping system with six replaceable batteries, each rated at 430kWh. A single battery can be swapped in about five minutes, and the full battery set can be replaced in under 30 minutes, dramatically cutting refuelling downtime.

The vessel has already received battery‑swapping system certification and ship inspection certificates from the China Classification Society, along with approval in principle from Bureau Veritas and DNV.

The core of the system is a modular battery‑swapping platform that allows the same batteries to be used across ships, vehicles, and shore‑based storage.

The owner of the vessel, Sandianshui New Energy Technology, aims to create a unified port‑centred energy system in which the same battery infrastructure serves ships, port trucks, forklifts, and industrial energy storage. The battery‑swapping technology has been patented in over 370 technical areas, drawing innovations from the automotive industry.

Hetun Weilan 01 also features an automotive‑grade electric propulsion system, a cohesive electronic and engine management suite, a 360‑degree surround‑view collision‑avoidance system, and hardware ready for automated berthing.

World-first standard modular battery-swapping ship put into operation
byu/straightdge inelectricvehicles