Efficiency Increased by at Least 30%: China's First-of-its-Kind Innovative Ship Launching System Tested Successfully

Today (September 24), a new integrated reverse-pull ship launching system independently developed by China was successfully tested in Yichang, Hubei Province.

At the test site, reporters witnessed a ship using the new launching system. Like riding an elevator, the ship was "carried" by the track to be lifted, moved over the dam, and then smoothly entered the river via a downhill slide.

The new integrated reverse-pull ship launching system deeply integrates four major modules, including special lifting equipment and the ship launching system, establishing an integrated operational chain for "construction-transportation-launching."

Chen Jiale, Chief Engineer of the Rail Transit Company of China Railway Engineering Equipment Group (CREG), stated that the entire launching system has been integrated, with the core function being the capability to cross the dam. The entire launching process takes about 5 to 6 hours, compared to traditional launching methods which might require around a day. This system improves overall efficiency by approximately at least 30%.

A ship launching system is a core part of shipbuilding, referring to the complete technical system for safely and smoothly transferring a completed ship hull into the water using specific equipment, facilities, and processes. This innovative dam-crossing launching system can overcome the terrain limitations of traditional shipyards near water and dams. Simultaneously, the system's accompanying heavy-duty modular transporters can flexibly and steadily lift and move ships weighing up to 7,000 tons on land, making the long-distance land transport of heavy ships from construction to launching safer and more efficient.

Li Fangmin, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of CREG, introduced that the launching system will be officially put into use in October. This is an important achievement in practicing the green development and intelligent upgrading of inland waterway transport, and a positive response to the high-quality development strategic policy for the Yangtze River Economic Belt.