Electric vessels berth at a dock in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Huzhou, Zhejiang province, has released China's first ship charging and battery-swapping plan involving more than 100 stations, aiming to support the wider adoption of electric vessels and promote greener inland water transport.

The Special Plan for the Construction of Ship Charging and Battery-Swapping Stations and Power Capacity Expansion Facilities in Huzhou (2025-2030) proposes building 106 charging and battery-swapping facilities by 2030 across 22 inland waterways.

The facilities will include battery-swapping stations, public charging stations, and charging stations at cargo terminals, with a total power access capacity of 92,200 kilowatts.

The plan is expected to support an annual energy supply of 235 million kilowatt-hours for electric vessels and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 1 million metric tons over five years.

The initiative is part of Huzhou's efforts to support the goals of building a "Beautiful Zhejiang", advancing green development and promoting environmental conservation.

By promoting electric shipping, integrating transport and energy networks, and upgrading inland waterways, the city is exploring a low-carbon model for regional transportation.

Huzhou has also advanced green ship manufacturing and related industries through cooperation with companies such as BYD and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd. A green ship manufacturing base with an annual capacity of more than 200 vessels is expected to begin operations by the end of this year.