The Yangtze Waterway Authority vessel 'Waterway 14203' has successfully passed a comprehensive inspection by the China Classification Society (CCS), obtaining multiple additional notation certificates. These include i-Ship(E) for an intelligent energy efficiency management system, as well as certifications for vessel comfort related to vibration and noise control. This achievement marks the vessel as the first in the Yangtze waterway system to receive such intelligent notations, signifying a new step forward in the intelligent and green development of waterway maintenance operations. It demonstrates the gradual integration of smart technologies into the Yangtze waterway operation and maintenance framework.
As the first vessel within the Yangtze waterway system equipped with an intelligent energy efficiency management system and awarded CCS intelligent ship notations, Waterway 14203 began a multi-dimensional, intelligent, and green upgrade in August 2025. The upgrade focused on four key areas: intelligent energy efficiency management, navigation control system enhancements, information system integration, and vibration and noise control. The project strictly adhered to the "Intelligent Ship Code (2025)" and the "Inland Green Ship Code (2023)" requirements. Improvements included installing an intelligent energy efficiency management system, optimizing the integrated console architecture, upgrading environmental protection facilities, and implementing specialized treatments for vibration and noise.
Following the upgrade, the vessel can now conduct real-time online monitoring and data collection of its navigation status, energy efficiency, and consumption. It assesses, reports, and provides alerts on energy efficiency and usage. Based on intelligent analysis results, the system offers scientific and precise decision-support recommendations for energy management, establishing a closed-loop intelligent energy efficiency management system covering monitoring, assessment, decision-making, and optimization.
The navigation console now integrates data from multiple systems—including digital maintenance, AIS, digital waterways, intelligent energy efficiency, video surveillance, and multibeam sonar—onto a single screen for display. By optimizing the interface layout, it enables quick switching and coordinated control among various system functions, significantly improving operational convenience and maintenance efficiency.
Additionally, using vibration and noise analysis models, the project accurately identified and addressed potential local resonance issues in areas such as the conference room deck forward and the wheelhouse deck. Through targeted treatment, vibration and noise levels were reduced to meet or exceed required standards.
A representative from the Yangtze Waterway Authority stated that the successful attainment of multiple CCS certifications fully demonstrates the significant results of the vessel's intelligent and green upgrade. The improvements not only effectively reduce energy consumption and greatly enhance crew working comfort but also provide essential equipment support for the high-quality development of a modern, "unobstructed, safe, superior, intelligent, and beautiful" Yangtze waterway system version 2.0.