China’s EV Battery Giants Set Sail Into Shipbuilding to Cement Beijing’s Global Dominance
China’s leading electric vehicle battery makers—Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and Gotion High-tech—are throwing their weight behind the country’s push to build new-energy vessels, with their latest products now powering large ocean carriers as the decarbonisation drive kicks into high gear.
Chinese-made pure electric-powered container vessels are also poised to extend Beijing’s commanding lead over global rivals in shipbuilding, according to industry insiders and analysts.
CATL, the world’s largest EV battery producer, recently announced that its self-developed pure electric vessel would be sailing the oceans within three years—a bold move that reinforces the company’s ambitions to transform itself into a global new-energy powerhouse.
Volkswagen-Backed Gotion Joins the Race
Not to be outdone, Gotion—backed by automotive giant Volkswagen Group—announced earlier this month that its battery packs are powerful enough to drive a ship capable of carrying 132 standard containers.
The vessel, dubbed Puffer Fish Blue 01, was developed by China’s Wuhu Shipyard and Sandianshui New Energy Technology, and has already been certified by the China Classification Society, a professional body for ship classification.
“Their investment and efforts to build pure electric container vessels show China’s increasing influence in the global shipbuilding industry,” said Xiong Hao, assistant general manager at Shanghai Jump International Shipping. “It remains to be seen whether electric vessels will be widely accepted by global container liners.”
CATL’s Maritime Track Record
CATL, which commands a 38 percent share of the global EV battery market this year, first dipped its toes into shipbuilding applications back in 2017 and has since supplied batteries to 900 vessels—all currently operating in rivers.
The company highlighted in a statement that Yujian 77, China’s first pure-electric cruise ship fitted with its high-performance battery, has been delivering zero-emission and low-noise experiences to tourists since launching operations in July.
CATL’s battery deliveries to shipbuilders currently account for roughly 40 percent of the global electric vessel market, according to the company’s statement.
What This Means for the Industry
The push by China’s battery behemoths into maritime applications signals a major shift in the global shipping landscape. As the world races to decarbonise, these pure electric vessels could reshape how goods are transported across oceans—though questions remain about widespread adoption by international shipping lines.
With China already dominating shipbuilding globally, the addition of cutting-edge battery technology from CATL and Gotion could cement Beijing’s position even further, leaving rivals scrambling to keep pace.
☕Got time for kopi? Meet a Truly SG partner financial consultant for a short sharing session and receive $25 Shopee eVoucher. Limited slots!
