The Yangtze River Is Becoming the World’s Largest Electrified Trade Corridor - CleanTechnica

The article highlights the launch of the Gezhouba, a 13,000-ton all-electric bulk carrier on China’s Yangtze River, marking a significant milestone in the electrification of inland shipping. Equipped with 24 MWh of containerized lithium battery modules, the vessel can travel approximately 500 km on a single charge. Its home port in Yichang features the first dedicated charging station on the Yangtze, signaling the transition from electric shipping as a concept to a practical reality. This development is part of a broader, staged electrification process in port and shipping operations, beginning with electric cranes and yard equipment, extending to tugs and harbor craft, and now reaching inland and short-sea vessels. The ultimate goal is for ports to become full energy hubs that support deep-sea hybrid ships and stabilize regional power grids. The Yangtze River corridor exemplifies this transformation, supported by a robust energy infrastructure that delivers over 30 TWh of renewable power annually via ultra-high-vol