China launches autonomous container ship Zhi Fei

China is reported to have put the world’s first autonomous, electric container feeder ship into commercial service. The vessel, the Zhi Fei (MMSI 413286730) has a DC electric system propulsion giving the feeder ship a top speed of approximately 12 knots and a normal operating speed of 8 knots.

Zhi Fei (Chinese for ‘flying wisdom’) was built by the Qingdao Shipyard and began her first regular voyage on 22 April. The containership can operate in the modes of manned driving, remote driving, and unmanned driving.

The design for the vessel was led by Bestway (http://www2.bestwaysh.com/), in cooperation with Shanghai Jiahao Ship Design Institute and the Dalian Maritime University. The vessel was launched in April 2021, after which sea trials and system testing commenced, with technical evaluation being completed in March 2022. The vessel is now operating between Qingdao Port in Shandong Province and Dongjiakou, managed by shipping company Navigation Brilliance (BRINAV).

The 8,000dwt vessel was reported to have a capacity of about 300 teu. The vessel is 384ft long, with a beam of 57ft and a depth of approximately 32ft.

Zhi Fei was reported to be a demonstration ship that would provide significant learning for the future development of the technology.