CATL Pinglu Canal Strategic Cooperation to Build Zero-Carbon Green Shipping Ecosystem

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Pinglu Canal Group Co., Ltd. to jointly establish a zero-carbon energy ecosystem supporting green shipping and the economic development of the Pinglu Canal corridor. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to integrate advanced battery technology, renewable energy infrastructure, and intelligent energy management solutions to accelerate sustainable maritime transportation across China.

Strategic Cooperation Focuses on Green Shipping Development

The Pinglu Canal stretches approximately 134.2 kilometers and represents one of China's major river-to-sea canal projects. Official operations are scheduled to begin in September 2026. After commissioning, the canal is expected to reduce cargo shipping distances from southwestern China by around 560 kilometers while shortening overall transit times by an estimated seven to fifteen days. These logistics improvements are expected to enhance freight efficiency while supporting cleaner transportation through electrified shipping solutions.

Electric Vessels and Battery Leasing to Reduce Costs

The first group of electric vessels planned for trial operations on the canal will utilize CATL's marine power battery systems. Alongside vessel electrification, the partners will introduce a "Battery Bank" battery leasing service designed to lower both ownership expenses and operational costs for shipowners. This business model is intended to improve the affordability of electric shipping while reducing the financial burden associated with battery ownership.

Key Elements of the Zero-Carbon Energy Ecosystem

• Deployment of CATL marine power battery systems for electric vessels.
• Battery Bank leasing service for commercial ship operators.
• Construction of wind power and solar power stations.
• Development of energy storage facilities and microgrids.
• Creation of an intelligent zero-carbon management system.

Major Features of the CATL and Pinglu Canal Partnership

Renewable Infrastructure Supports Canal Operations

Beyond vessel electrification, the collaboration includes plans to build wind and solar power stations, energy storage facilities, and localized microgrids along the canal. These assets will supply cleaner electricity for transportation and supporting infrastructure while improving energy resilience. The partners also intend to jointly develop an intelligent zero-carbon management system capable of coordinating energy resources and operational efficiency throughout the canal ecosystem, supporting long-term sustainable shipping development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the CATL and Pinglu Canal Group partnership?
The strategic cooperation aims to establish a comprehensive zero-carbon energy ecosystem supporting green shipping along the Pinglu Canal. The project combines electric vessels, marine battery technology, battery leasing services, renewable energy generation, energy storage infrastructure, microgrids, and intelligent energy management. Together, these initiatives are intended to improve shipping efficiency, lower operating costs for shipowners, and promote sustainable maritime transportation as the canal begins official operations in September 2026.

What benefits will the Pinglu Canal provide after opening?
Once the 134.2-kilometer Pinglu Canal becomes operational, it is expected to shorten cargo shipping routes from southwestern China by approximately 560 kilometers while reducing transit times by seven to fifteen days. These improvements will enhance logistics efficiency and support greener transportation through electric vessels powered by CATL's marine battery systems. The accompanying renewable energy infrastructure and battery leasing model are also expected to strengthen long-term sustainable shipping operations.