China's first hybrid-powered coastal vehicle-passenger ferry, Zhexiang Qidu 12, is assembled at  Huahai Shipbuilding Base in Pinghu county-level city, Jiaxing. [Photo/Tide News]

China's first hybrid-powered coastal vehicle-passenger ferry, Zhexiang Qidu 12, recently completed its launch ceremony at the Huahai Shipbuilding Base in Pinghu county-level city, Jiaxing.

This marks a breakthrough for Jiaxing's shipbuilding industry in the field of new energy vessels.

The ferry measures 49.4 meters in length, 12.4 meters in width, and 2.85 meters in depth, with a draft of 1.65 meters. It is designed to carry 177 passengers and 14 crew members, reaching a cruising speed of approximately 9.5 knots. The vessel can accommodate 14 standard mid-sized trucks, four large trailer trucks, or 23 small passenger vehicles.

Zhexiang Qidu 12 incorporates two key technological advancements.

First, its green propulsion system integrates a diesel generator-lithium battery hybrid drive, reducing energy consumption by 30 percent compared to traditional fuel-powered ferries. The system is expected to cut carbon emissions by over 70 kilograms per hour, while pollutant discharge decreases by more than 20 percent.

Second, the ferry features a state-of-the-art anti-rolling system, pioneering the use of a straight-wing rudder-propeller combination with full-speed stabilization technology. Even at 9.5 knots, this innovation reduces vessel roll by over 20 percent, significantly enhancing vehicle stability and passenger comfort.

Jiaxing's shipbuilding industry has rapidly emerged as a national leader in green transportation, brand development, and industry-wide service optimization.

The city has taken the lead in drafting inspection guidelines for new energy inland vessels and has published technical standards for marine direct-current switchboards, driving the standardization and large-scale application of new energy ship technologies.