Core Viewpoint - The successful development of China's first self-developed ship blocking device by China Shipbuilding Group's 704 Research Institute will enhance shipping efficiency and safety in the Three Gorges waterway, supporting the construction of new shipping channels and the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt [1][2]. Group 1: Device Overview - The newly developed ship blocking device is a safety braking system for ships passing through locks, featuring two symmetrically arranged energy absorption devices [2]. - The device operates by extending two cables connected to an electric tugboat, which absorbs the kinetic energy of the ship fleet and applies predetermined braking force to stop the fleet within a specified range in the lock chamber [2]. - A key highlight of the device is its ability to stop a fleet in case of loss of control, ensuring the safety of the lock chamber [2]. Group 2: Operational Context - The Three Gorges area is a critical waterway for transportation in China, with the annual ship passage volume reaching 2.5 times the design capacity of the locks due to increased tourism and rising demand for water transport in the southwest [1]. - To alleviate the burden on the existing locks, the government has decided to invest in the construction of a new shipping channel and increase the capacity of the locks [1]. - The Three Gorges Navigation Management Bureau proposed a new method for ship passage, allowing for pre-grouping and orderly entry of fleets, increasing the weight capacity to over four times the original, with a maximum of 30,000 tons [1].