A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) is set to accelerate the electrification of inland shipping along China’s Zhejiang waterways, as Wah Kwong NatPower Holdings Limited and Huzhou Wuxing Ruituo Energy Co join forces to develop dedicated charging infrastructure. According to Ship & Bunker, the two companies announced the agreement on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Shore-Based Charging and Battery Swapping on Key Routes
The initiative will centre on deploying shore-based charging stations and battery-swapping facilities along major container and bulk cargo corridors in the region. Ship & Bunker reports that the project is set to begin in the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou area — a key inland waterway zone within Zhejiang province.
The infrastructure is designed to support battery-powered vessels by reducing vessel turnaround times and ensuring consistent access to power at ports and logistics hubs across the network.
Digital Platform to Track Energy and Emissions
Beyond the physical infrastructure, the two partners also intend to introduce a digital monitoring platform as part of the collaboration. According to the Ship & Bunker report, the system will be used to track energy consumption and emissions across the charging network.
Huzhou to Serve as the Initial Expansion Hub
Huzhou, which has already been making strides in vessel electrification and grid development, is expected to act as the primary launch point for the wider rollout. Ship & Bunker notes that the partnership is aimed at closing the infrastructure gaps that have so far held back broader adoption of electric vessels on China’s inland waterways.
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Sources: Ship & Bunker
