CATL, a leading provider of electric vehicle batteries, has recently made a significant breakthrough in the maritime industry. The company has supplied a pure electric tourist vessel with batteries boasting an impressive capacity of 3,918 kWh, allowing the vessel to travel up to 100 km on a single charge.
This milestone serves as a validation of the feasibility of pure electric technology in near-shore waters, offering passengers a zero-emission and low-noise experience. The electric tourist passenger ship, named Yujian 77, was co-developed by CATL and officially set sail in Xiamen Bay on July 25. The vessel is equipped with CATL’s innovative marine battery system, showcasing the company’s commitment to expanding the use of its batteries beyond traditional electric vehicles and aircraft.
CATL’s marine battery system incorporates advanced technologies such as CTP (Cell To Pack) and integrated CCS (Combined Charging System), with a remarkable energy density of 140 Wh/kg. The battery pack used in the Yujian 77 ensures a substantial capacity of 3,918 kWh and an impressive range of 100 km. Additionally, the NP (No Propagation) technology implemented in the battery pack prevents thermal runaway from spreading at the cell level, enhancing safety and reliability.
The Yujian 77 is a 49-meter-long vessel with a width of 14.5 meters, capable of accommodating 358 passengers and reaching a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour. The vessel’s IP68 protection rating and ability to withstand up to 1,296 hours of salt spray testing demonstrate its durability and resilience in marine environments.
CATL’s marine battery system has received certification from prominent global classification societies, including Bureau Veritas (BV), American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The environmental impact of the Yujian 77 is substantial, with an expected annual reduction of nearly 250 tons of fuel consumption and over 400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This reduction is equivalent to the carbon sequestration capacity of planting over 20,000 trees, highlighting the vessel’s significant contribution to sustainability.
In addition to its achievements in the maritime industry, CATL continues to lead the global market as the largest manufacturer of power batteries, with a market share of 38.1 percent in the first five months of the year. The company’s strong presence in China is evident, with a market share of 43.67 percent in power battery installations in June, according to data from the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance (CABIA).
CATL’s innovative approach to battery technology extends beyond electric vehicles, as demonstrated by the unveiling of its Condensed Battery at the Shanghai auto show. The company’s successful test flight of a civil electric aircraft in 2024 further solidifies its position as a key player in the electrification of transportation.
Overall, CATL’s collaboration in the development of the Yujian 77 marks a significant step towards green transformation in the maritime tourism industry, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable and innovative solutions in the transportation sector.
