China's first all-electric passenger ship sets sail with CATL's innovative battery system

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 25, the Yujian 77, China's first all-electric maritime tourism passenger ship, which was powered by a marine battery system developed by Chinese battery manufacturer CATL, set sail in the Xiamen Bay, according to a press release issued by CATL via its WeChat account. This milestone not only offers tourists a zero-emission, low-noise, and high-quality marine tourism experience, but also demonstrates the feasibility of all-electric technology for use in coastal waters.

The CATL's marine battery system equipped by the Yujian 77, incorporates innovative CTP (cell to pack) technology and an integrated CCS (Combined Charging System, a high-voltage charging system) design. This advanced configuration has enabled the battery pack to achieve an energy density surpassing 140Wh/kg.

In addition, the battery system provides the Yujian 77 with a total battery storage capacity of 3,918kWh, offering a battery-powered range of 100km, enough to support four consecutive night cruises in the Xiamen Bay. Safety features include NP (which means "no thermal propagation") technology, ensuring that thermal runaway at the cell level is contained. The system also meets IP68 standards for water and dust protection, and has undergone a rigorous 1,296-hour salt fog test, ensuring stable operation under challenging maritime conditions.

Following its launch, the Yujian 77 is expected to reduce annual fuel consumption by nearly 250 tonnes and cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 400 tonnes, equivalent to the carbon offset of planting more than 20,000 trees, according to the press release.

The Yujian 77 is the first dometic all-electric maritime tourism passenger ship to be classified by the China Classification Society (CCS), while the CATL's marine battery system used by the ship has also earned certifications from major global classification societies, including Bureau Veritas (BV), American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

Going forward, CATL said it plans to continue its technological innovations, developing even safer, longer-lasting, and higher-energy-density marine battery systems, with the aim of further accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon future for maritime transport.