Seacon, Mawei Shipbuilding team up on electric container vessels

Specifically, Seacon has placed an order for one plus one 406-TEU electric container ship at Mawei, with the agreement reportedly signed on 24 June. According to Chinese media, this marks the first vessel of its kind to be built in China, the world’s largest shipbuilding nation.

The vessel is intended for use in commercial coastal shipping operations, as well as for maritime training and scientific research as it will serve as a floating laboratory.

Classed by the China Classification Society, the ship will be equipped with integrated land, sea, air and space communication systems, a digital twin shipmanagement training platform, and facilities for up to 48 trainees. Full accommodation and onboard medical services will also be included.

Chinese media report Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding sees the project as a foundation for expanding its research into green maritime technology in response to growing demand in the sector.

As of the end of 2024, Hong Kong-listed Seacon Shipping Group controlled a fleet of 26 vessels – including joint ventures – primarily consisting of bulk carriers, as well as oil and chemical tankers, while also maintaining an orderbook for 38 ships.

Electric vessel projects gaining momentum

The past few months have seen a noticeable uptick in shipbuilding activity focused on electric container vessels.

Riviera recently reported that Norway’s Eitzen Group, along with a government-backed funder, is planning to build two 850-TEU battery-powered container feeder vessels. These ships will be used to transport containers between Norway, Sweden and Germany.

Additionally, French liner CMA CGM has signed an agreement with China’s Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding for the construction of a fully electric 182-TEU container ship. Scheduled for delivery from 2026, the vessel is expected to operate in Vietnam, with sportswear giant Nike reportedly involved in the project to transport its goods.