Gezhouba is a 10,000-tonne-class battery-electric vessel built to carry both containers and bulk cargo on the main line of the Yangtze River. In August 2026 it received all of its statutory operating certificates, the last step before delivery and commercial service. JOSUN supplied the thermal management and environmental control systems for the ship’s power batteries and electrical compartments.
The vessel
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Length overall | 129.98 m |
| Moulded breadth | 22 m |
| Moulded depth | 7.7 m |
| Design draught | 6.5 m |
| Maximum cargo | 13,740 t |
| Power arrangement | Battery power separate from the hull, with mobile battery swapping |
The swappable battery arrangement is matched to the main freight routes on the Yangtze.
Design conditions
JOSUN’s article lists four conditions that the battery system on a large inland electric vessel has to cope with:
- Low temperature. The Yangtze route has a wide temperature range. Cold reduces battery charge and discharge efficiency.
- High temperature. Heat speeds up battery ageing and raises the risk of thermal runaway.
- Vibration and shock while under way.
- High humidity. Enclosed electrical compartments are prone to condensation, which threatens electrical insulation.
Large electrical compartments therefore need temperature control that is dependable, isolated from the outside air, and able to work across a wide range of conditions.
What JOSUN supplied
The package was designed with system weight and energy density in mind, and uses redundancy for safety. It keeps the compartments sealed from the outside air.
- Circulate coolant through the battery modules to keep an even temperature across the whole pack.
- Operating range -30 °C to 50 °C.
- C5 anti-corrosion protection and an IP56 enclosure.
- Variable-speed inverter compressor for close temperature control and a high coefficient of performance (COP).
- Modular construction for easier maintenance and lower life-cycle cost.
Embedded wall-mounted cabinet air conditioners
The electrical compartments have high equipment heat loads and are closed off from the outside. These units cool the whole compartment. They also have to withstand Yangtze humidity and vibration under way. They mount into the bulkhead, save floor space, and start working as soon as power is connected.
Card-type dehumidifiers
These are installed inside the electrical compartments to lower the humidity and prevent condensation, so that the electrical insulation stays sound. A built-in humidity sensor switches the unit automatically, and AC or DC power supply is available as an option.
Related electric-vessel projects
JOSUN has supplied environmental control for other battery-powered ships, including container ships, bulk carriers, public service vessels, tugs and ferries. Examples in its reference list include a 120 TEU battery container ship and a 5,000 HP battery-electric tug for West Africa. See the project list and the merchant ship solution for more.