"The launch marks a critical step towards formal delivery and operation. Once put into service in the future, it will significantly enhance China"s engineering capabilities in the fields of marine renewable energy and power infrastructure," Li Chang"an, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

　　The vessel adopts pure-electric drive technology and is a typical case of applying new-energy technologies in the shipbuilding sector, Li added.

　　The vessel"s latest advancement mirrors the vigorous development of China"s shipbuilding sector. In the first half of the year, China"s new orders, completions and order backlog for seagoing vessels rose by 105.2 percent, 34.8 percent and 37.1 percent year-on-year respectively, accounting for 73.9 percent, 55.4 percent and 63.3 percent of the global market share and continuing to hold a leading position worldwide.

　　During the period, China delivered more than 40 high-end vessels of various types, including large container ships of over 10,000 TEU, very large crude carriers and large liquefied natural gas carriers. At present, shipyards have full production schedules, and orders at some enterprises have already been booked through to after 2029.

　　Li said that shipbuilding, as an important part of the manufacturing industry, is a hallmark of China as a major manufacturing country. In recent years, China"s shipbuilding industry has continued to consolidate its position in the international market, with strong momentum in the application of new technologies and innovation.