14.2 C
Hamburg
Friday, June 6, 2025
Home News China’s first unmanned boxship in maiden trip

China’s first unmanned boxship in maiden trip

China’s first autonomous container ship will enter service in October 2021. The 300TEU Zhi Fei will be deployed by the state-owned Shandong Port Shipping Group to shuttle between Qingdao’s main port and the latter’s sub-port, Dongjiakou.

Zhi Fei is the first container ship serving China’s inland waterways to meet the criteria of unmanned autonomous navigation tests.

China began its push towards autonomous vessels in March 2019, when the Ministry of Transport approved research and development into smart navigation and integrated transport. Maritime nations are keen on autonomous navigation as a means to reducing maritime accidents and resolving a shortage of seafarers.

Construction of the Zhi Fei was assigned to Yangfan Group’s Qingdao shipyard, the vessel design was undertaken by Navigation Brilliance Technology, Shanghai Bestway Marine Engineering Design, Shanghai Marine Equipment Research Institute, Dalian Maritime University and the China Waterborne Transport Research Institute.

Vessel construction was completed in June 2021 and sea trials were conducted later that month.

The ship is fitted with intelligent navigation and advanced environmentally-friendly solutions that reduce emissions and noise, including an electric propulsion system.

Zhi Fei is 117 metres long and 15 metres wide with a maximum sailing speed of 12 knots.

Operating the Zhi Fei will be an experiment for the future development of unmanned navigation in China.

Besides autonomous navigation, the Ministry of Transport will experiment with installing ship-to-shore mobile communication network on the vessel, smart pilotage, and unmanned dispatch and management of container cargoes.

Martina Li
Asia Correspondent





Latest Posts

Transpacific container rates starting to spike on demand surge

Logistics markets and supply chains faced another confusing, dramatic few days last week as the US Court of International Trade ruled that President Trump...

BIMCO develops standard clause addressing USTR uncertainties

BIMCO, the world’s largest shipping association, has initiated the development of a standard industry clause to address contractual uncertainties arising from the United States...

Wincanton accelerates net zero ambitions with deployment of 24 electric HGVs

Wincanton has announced the first wave of 24 new electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) joining its fleet this year, marking a key step towards...

How to Choose the Right Contractor for Gutter Installation in Boston?

When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, a well-executed gutter installation is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Your gutters...

Port of Toulon marks major milestone with shore power installation

The Port of Toulon has successfully commissioned France’s largest shore power system, developed and delivered by a consortium led by ABB in collaboration with...
error: Content is protected !!