CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- On September 28, the Meiwei Kaixuan, the first solar-assisted luxury cruise ship on the Yangtze River, officially embarked on its maiden voyage from Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Port. This launch marks a significant step forward in the large-scale application of new energy technology to passenger vessels on the Yangtze River, actively supporting the implementation of the “Greener Shipping on Yangtze” strategy.

Built in Fuling through a partnership between Chongqing Dongjiang Industrial Co., Ltd. and Chongqing Chuandong Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., the Meiwei Kaixuan will operate along the main Yangtze route (between Chongqing and Shanghai), delivering zero-emission and low-noise navigation. The hybrid vessel features a 300 kW solar power system—the first of its kind—that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Energy is stored in a 1,600 kWh battery bank, supplying both daily onboard operations and propulsion. This green setup reduces carbon emissions by over 1,000 tons and fuel consumption by more than 300 tons annually—equivalent to planting 50,000 trees along the river. (Photographed by Zhang Chunxiao / Visual Chongqing) 

(Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)