Hubei’s Shipbuilding Industry Embraces Green Innovation
In a significant advancement for sustainable shipping, Hubei province is making strides in green and intelligent vessel technology. The China Star Shipping company is currently outfitting the Gezhouba, a 10,000-ton-class all-electric bulk carrier, set for delivery in March 2026. This vessel represents a leap forward with its intelligent navigation system, enabling remote operation and autonomous features, underscoring Hubei’s commitment to transforming its inland shipping sector.
Innovative Developments in Vessel Technology
The Gezhouba is not just another bulk carrier; it is the first large inland vessel equipped with an intelligent navigation and control system. This technology allows for remote operation, autonomous obstacle avoidance, and automatic berthing and unberthing, marking a significant milestone in maritime innovation. Yan Xinping, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, highlighted the vessel’s integration of new-energy propulsion with advanced navigation capabilities.
Hubei province is strategically leveraging its extensive waterways and industrial expertise to transition towards greener shipping solutions. With 29 shipbuilding enterprises generating over 20 million yuan ($2.85 million) annually, the province boasts an impressive shipbuilding capacity of 5.31 million deadweight tons. The China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) 712 Institute in Wuhan is at the forefront of this transformation, conducting integrated testing of battery, motor, and control systems that power a significant portion of China’s new energy marine propulsion systems.
Li Mingyong, deputy director of the CSSC 712 Institute, noted that this year has seen the release of second-generation green and intelligent equipment, including high-safety containerized marine power supplies and smart ship bridge systems. Hubei’s focus on optimizing its inland shipping supply system includes prioritizing greener propulsion technologies and advancing autonomous navigation capabilities. The province is also developing standardized ship models tailored to specific ports and cargo types, enhancing its high-end shipbuilding capabilities while expanding into international markets.
Building a Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem
Hubei’s achievements in the shipbuilding sector are attributed to a robust collaborative innovation system that integrates enterprises, research institutions, and universities. The province has established a high-level innovation ecosystem supported by national key laboratories and partnerships with prominent educational institutions, including Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Wuhan University of Technology. This collaborative approach has led to the launch of several demonstration new energy vessels, such as the world’s largest-capacity all-electric cruise ship and China’s first hydrogen fuel-powered vessel.
In late November, Hubei delivered a 130-type LNG (liquefied natural gas) single-fuel river-sea direct multipurpose vessel, benefiting from the Yangtze River shipbuilding supply chain platform. This platform integrates research, design, construction, and finance, allowing the vessel to be delivered a month ahead of schedule while reducing overall costs by 4 percent.
To further support the industry, Hubei has encouraged financial institutions to develop innovative green credit and leasing products. The province has also established specialized supply chain platforms to provide comprehensive services, including information sharing and technological support. By streamlining administrative processes and focusing on key sectors like freight transport and cultural tourism, Hubei is enhancing its inland shipping ecosystem.
In the first three quarters of 2025, Hubei’s shipbuilding industry reported an output value of 72.71 billion yuan, reflecting a 17.3 percent increase year on year. Notably, green and intelligent ships accounted for 75.8 percent of newly secured ship repair and construction orders, highlighting the province’s commitment to sustainable maritime practices.
