On November 10, the nation’s first 5000-ton级 “methanol + lithium battery” new energy self-unloading sand carrier, “Lüzhou Qihang 001,” successfully completed its maiden voyage at Hongfeng Wharf in Xin’an Town, Pingshan County, Yibin City, and officially commenced operations.
The vessel was jointly built by Pingshan County Yijiang Water Development Co., Ltd. and Zhuhai Qihang New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., with Sichuan Province Yibin City Dengzhou Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. as the constructor. With a total investment of 30 million yuan, it contributes to building the Jinsha River green energy supply corridor.
As the country’s first 5000-ton级 new energy self-unloading sand carrier, “Lüzhou Qihang 001” innovatively adopts a dual-power system of “methanol + lithium battery,” effectively solving the “range anxiety” of new energy ships. It can fully meet the bulk cargo transport demands for sand, minerals, etc., in the Xiangjiaba reservoir area, and its large-tonnage design further enhances operational efficiency.
The vessel has an overall length of 96.98 meters, a width of 16.2 meters, a depth of 6.3 meters, and a deadweight tonnage of 5000 tons. Its power system is equipped with two sets of 500-kilowatt propulsion motors and a 3920-kilowatt-hour /swapping integrated box-type power source. Its power battery uses CATL lithium iron phosphate cells. The vessel is equipped with CSSC Saisiyi’s three-electric system (wherein the battery and electronic control systems both use Saisiyi’s proprietary intellectual property products). The entire system configuration includes two 280kW methanol generator sets and four sets of 979.8kWh lithium battery packs. The total lithium battery capacity of the entire ship is 3919.4kWh. Through centralized DC busbar frequency conversion electric control equipment for grid connection, it drives two 500kW main propulsion motors, with a design speed of 8.1 knots.
The vessel is equipped with an efficient liquid-cooled battery system, supporting three propulsion modes: pure electric, pure methanol, and hybrid power, significantly enhancing operational safety and reliability. The supporting 720kW charging station can fully charge the ship within 5 hours. In pure electric mode, it can cruise for 140 kilometers. Combined with the methanol-hydrogen electric system’s online energy replenishment, the hybrid power range can reach 2000 kilometers. This not only easily meets long-distance freight demands and significantly improves operational efficiency but also perfectly matches the shipping characteristics of the Jinsha River basin, making it an optimal solution for medium to long-distance inland river navigation.
“Lüzhou Qihang 001” is specifically designed for sand transport in the Xiangjiaba reservoir area and will primarily operate there subsequently. After commissioning, it is expected to complete at least 50 voyages annually. The energy cost per voyage is approximately 30% lower than that of traditional diesel-powered vessels, saving 1 million yuan in annual operating costs. In terms of environmental protection, it can replace 105 tons of diesel annually, achieving reductions of 324 tons of carbon dioxide, 135 kilograms of sulfur oxides, and 1007 kilograms of nitrogen oxides, offering both economic and ecological benefits.
