Test vessels reached the upstream anchorage, completing the first day of trials.

Today (12th), the Pinglu Canal's full-scale ship testing officially commenced. As of now, four test vessels have successfully arrived at the upstream anchorage of the Qishi Hub, wrapping up the first day of trials. This marks the first time the Pinglu Canal has conducted full-channel, full-vessel-type real ship testing, representing the final major assessment before the canal's entire waterway opens to navigation.

The trials deploy four representative vessels, including 1,000-ton, 3,000-ton, and 5,000-ton classes, which will navigate the Pinglu Canal's main channel in stages. They will complete navigability verification under different operational conditions and conduct full-line beacon performance testing. This process will comprehensively verify the safety, stability, and other attributes of the canal's fairway, ship locks, anchorages, and service areas, laying a solid foundation for the Pinglu Canal's scheduled navigation.

Currently, overall project construction progress has exceeded 98%, with formal navigation anticipated in September this year.

How Smart is the Intelligent Ship Demonstration Vessel?

Among today's test vessels, a 5,000-ton heavy-load ship stands out. It is a customized 5,000-ton intelligent ship demonstration vessel built for the Pinglu Canal. So, how intelligent is it exactly?

A reporter aboard the 5,000-ton heavy-load vessel noted that, unlike ordinary cargo ships, it resembles a smart ship with a "thinking brain." Where is the intelligence? Let's start with the wheelhouse.

Captain Zhang Chongrui of the Pinglu Canal test vessel stated: "The core highlight of this ship is its intelligent navigation system. Relying on this system, our vessel can achieve autonomous navigation, automatic collision avoidance, and assisted berthing and unberthing, enhancing navigational safety." The intelligent navigation system acts as the ship's "smart captain," offering three driving modes: follow-up, non-follow-up, and automatic, covering all scenarios of ship navigation.

Additionally, the vessel is equipped with multiple sets of perception devices, effectively giving it "clairvoyant eyes" and "keen ears." These systems continuously collect navigation data and monitor the traffic environment, enabling precise identification even in low-visibility conditions like rain or fog. This provides reliable support for safe navigation in the complex canal environment.

Captain Zhang Chongrui further explained: "Our pan-tilt cameras and electronic radar can monitor the surrounding environment over a wide range. If an obstacle is detected within a specific distance that could affect navigation, the system will alarm, and the ship will automatically decelerate to avoid it."

Leaving the wheelhouse, the reporter visited the ship's power area. In addition to its "smart brain," the vessel also features a "green heart." It uses liquefied natural gas as its sole clean energy source. Compared to traditional diesel-powered ships, it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 23% and sulfide emissions by 99%.

With an onboard intelligent energy efficiency system, it can collect real-time energy consumption data and recommend optimal routes, lowering operational costs. This vessel is one of the "two types, four vessels" demonstration ships for the Pinglu Canal, and this real ship test is also a verification of the canal's intelligent ship demonstration concept.

Captain Zhang Chongrui concluded: "This time, we are primarily testing navigation, lock passage, and berthing. The first goal is to verify the safety of 5,000-ton vessel navigation. The second is to test the functions of the intelligent system, such as smart navigation and radar monitoring, to prepare for the official navigation later."