China’s first standardized modular vessel with a swappable battery system, “Hetun Weilan 01,” has successfully completed its maiden commercial cargo voyage between the ports of Wuhu and Chaohu in Anhui Province. The inland waterway vessel has a carrying capacity of 3,000 DWT and transported 49 standard containers.
Instead of conventional marine fuel, the vessel operates on a modular battery system equipped with six interchangeable battery packs, each with a capacity of 430 kWh. Replacing a single battery takes around 5 minutes, while a full system swap can be completed in under 30 minutes, significantly reducing downtime compared to traditional refueling.
The vessel has obtained certification from the China Classification Society (CCS), as well as preliminary approvals from international classification societies such as Bureau Veritas and DNV.
The system is based on a modular energy platform that enables standardized batteries to be used across vessels, land vehicles, and shore-based energy storage facilities. The ship’s owner, Sandianshui New Energy Technology, aims to build a unified energy network integrating ships, port equipment, and industrial energy systems.
The “Hetun Weilan 01” is equipped with an electric propulsion system, a 360-degree collision-avoidance monitoring platform, and automated docking equipment. The technology is adapted from the automotive sector and is protected by more than 370 patents.
