Green power supports low-carbon operations along Zhejiang's inland waterways

Zhejiang province's first inland green shipping corridor has officially entered regular operation.

The "Wuxing Ruigang 001", a 64-ton pure electric cargo vessel, completed its container unloading at Zhapu Port recently before slowly docking at the newly established new-energy berth in the Hengtangqiao water service area for recharging in Pinghu city.

Employees from the State Grid Jiaxing Power Supply Company assisted the crew with charging tests and conducted comprehensive inspections of the vessel's onboard power equipment, including charging socket boxes, isolation transformers and rectifiers.

According to sources, the first new-energy ship charging station in Jiaxing's maritime area was built last year at the Hengtangqiao water service area in Pinghu. The facility now features 18 newly upgraded smart shore power stations along the riverbank. A high-power 800-kilowatt charging station is also available, capable of recharging a 65-meter-class new-energy ship in just four hours.

"The new-energy charging station is equipped with four smart charging guns. Ship-owners can scan a QR code to start charging. The equipment is also windproof and rainproof to ensure safety," said a representative from State Grid Jiaxing.

Located at the strategic intersection of key inland waterways, including two Hangzhou-Shanghai lines, the Hengtangqiao service area bridges the river-sea transport network in northern Zhejiang.

As a key node for vessel resupply in the Yangtze River Delta, its role as a hub for comprehensive green energy services gives it far-reaching significance, serving new-energy vessels within a 200-kilometer radius.

"In the past, we used diesel generators that emitted thick smoke and made a lot of noise," said a customer as he charged his vessel using the shore power system.

"Now, with shore power, it's much cleaner and quieter, and it even reduces our operational costs."

To further support the operation of new-energy vessels and promote the rapid development of green inland shipping in Jiaxing, the State Grid Jiaxing Power Supply Company is continuously optimizing its supporting services.

In collaboration with the Pinghu Port and Shipping Management Service Center, the company has established a joint government-enterprise coordination mechanism to accelerate infrastructure development.

These efforts aim to expand the application of smart, green vessels and help the region's inland shipping sector transition toward low-carbon and zero-carbon operations — contributing significantly to China's dual carbon goals.