BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- China's first all-electric tugboat fleet commenced operation on April 17 at Lianyungang Port, Jiangsu Province, reducing annual operating costs by 3 million yuan (419,000 U.S. dollars) and carbon emissions by 900 tonnes compared to conventional fleets.
Co-developed by Lianyungang Port and State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co., Ltd. with proprietary smart micro-grid technology, the breakthrough advances China's green port transformation.
The three-vessel fleet pioneers a "ship-grid interaction" system allowing bidirectional energy flow, namely charging during off-peak hours to absorb renewable energy surplus and then feeding 2,000 households' daily electricity demand back to the grid during peak periods.
This micro-grid integrates charging infrastructure, photovoltaic panels and energy storage, serving as an emergency power source during extreme weather, according to Li Wei of State Grid Lianyungang Power Supply Company.
The operational vessels have logged 11,000 safe service hours assisting 8,306 ship maneuvers, validating 24/7 port reliability.
Five additional electric tugboats are under construction, with three slated for Guangzhou and Shenzhen ports, signaling nationwide adoption of the Jiangsu-developed model.
(Edited by Tian Shenyoujia with Xinhua Silk Road, tianshenyoga0524@163.com)
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