Core Viewpoint - The development of new energy vessels is poised to become the next major trend in the shipping industry, following the surpassing of retail sales of new energy passenger vehicles over traditional fuel vehicles [2][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Over 1,000 new energy inland vessels are currently operating in China's waters, with the Yangtze River Economic Belt seeing a significant increase in shore power usage, projected to reach 190 million kilowatt-hours in 2024, four times the highest annual usage during the 13th Five-Year Plan [2]. - The Chinese government has implemented various policies to promote the development of new energy vessels, including subsidies for new builds and a comprehensive action plan for green development in the shipbuilding industry [3]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - Significant progress has been made in the research and development of new energy vessel technologies, with advancements in battery-powered, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell, and methanol-powered vessels, enhancing performance and operational efficiency [4]. - New energy vessels are increasingly integrating with autonomous navigation and intelligent energy management systems, improving route planning and energy consumption control [4]. Group 3: Application Potential - New energy vessels are showing great potential in various sectors, including passenger transport with electric cruise ships providing a better travel experience, and cargo transport with electric container ships reducing costs and emissions [4]. - The inland shipping sector, characterized by high vessel density and fixed routes, presents a significant opportunity for the adoption of new energy vessels, which currently represent less than 1% of the inland fleet [5]. Group 4: Challenges and Solutions - Economic barriers, such as high costs of lithium batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, along with technical challenges like low energy density and charging efficiency, hinder the widespread adoption of new energy vessels [5]. - To address these challenges, it is essential to enhance subsidies, promote technological innovation, and improve infrastructure and standardization through collaboration among government, enterprises, and industry associations [5].