China successfully trials first vessel-to-grid electricity transfer
In China, on 11 June 2026, an all-electric vessel has trialled the export of electricity back to the grid, acting like a giant mobile power bank, marking China’s first vessel-to-grid (V2G) bi-directional energy flow.
The electric tugboat Yungang Electric Tug No. 9 discharged electricity from its battery at a rate of 80 kilowatts, delivering a total of 560 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity back to the grid during a seven-hour experiment at the Port of Lianyungang, a major international seaport located on the the coast of the Yellow Sea in eastern China.
The trial shows that what works for EVs can now be applied to electric ships. It represents a breakthrough in China’s development of bidirectional vessel-grid technologies that allow harbor vessels to charge during off-peak hours and discharge power to the land-based grid during periods of peak demand.
The project overcame technical hurdles related to stable high-power charging and discharging control in high-humidity and high-salinity marine environments.
It also offers a new model for the maritime industry’s green transformation and expands the ways in which modern power networks can integrate storage, supply and demand.
China’s pure electric intelligent container ship commences commercial operations
Meanwhile, China’s first 10,000-tonne-class pure electric intelligent container ship, the world’s largest of its kind, launched commercial operations on 16 April 16 2026, marking a new phase of green, electric-powered development for the country’s coastal container shipping.
The “Ning Yuan Dian Kun” 10,000 tonne, 128 meters long vessel departed from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port for Jiaxing Port, both located in east China’s Zhejiang Province. The busy shipping route, traditionally served by fossil fuel-powered vessels, is now clearly shifting toward electrification.
The vessel is fitted with 10 containerized batteries with a total capacity of about 20,000 kWh and powered by two 875 kW permanent-magnet synchronous propulsion motors. It will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,462 tonnes annually, achieving zero emissions, zero noise and zero pollution throughout its operation.
It is equipped with smart navigation and engine systems, enabling autonomous collision avoidance, high-precision tracking, and integrated ship-shore-cloud control. It adopts a dual-mode charging system combining high-voltage shore power and rapid container-swapping, ensuring efficient and flexible energy replenishment.
The project demonstrates commitment to the green transformation of the shipping industry and China’s dual carbon goals.
Sources:
CGTN, June 11, 2026. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-06-11/Electric-vessel-sends-power-back-to-China-s-grid-like-an-EV-1NTezs5viqk/p.html
Xinhua, April 16, 2026. http://english.scio.gov.cn/chinavoices/2026-04/16/content_118440541.html
