Chinese
This article is translated from China Youth Network;
Wuhan, China Youth Network, November 10th (Reporter Pan Jiaxiuko) - A precise beam of light shines on the workpiece, controlling the machining error within 0.1 millimeters. At CSSC Wuchang Shipbuilding, such innovative details are driving the youthful transformation of the century old shipyard.
Digital workshop: Welding flowers no longer dance
On October 29, 2025, when more than 20 news media reporters walked into CSSC Wuchang Shipbuilding, the imagined scene of welding flowers dancing and hammer sounds shaking the sky had been replaced by a clean and quiet digital workshop.
We have over 100 welding technology achievements, and our welding level is at the forefront of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation's final assembly plant, "said the technical personnel. Wuchang Shipbuilding has established a mature technology system for ship assembly and construction, including automated welding, vibration and noise reduction control, high-precision installation and commissioning of shaft systems.
In 2025, Wuchang Shipbuilding was approved as one of the first national "Excellent Intelligent Factories". By building a digital system of "one foundation+two systems+four major platforms+one center", the company has achieved 100% coverage of product digital design and created an industry-leading ship digital factory. The sail under construction is assisting the RORO transport vessel No.1. Photo by Xie Jingu
New Generation of Intelligent Manufacturing: From "Manufacturing" to "Intelligent Manufacturing"
In the board unit processing workshop, CNC equipment is fully connected to build a dynamic perception and precise execution system for the production environment. The flexible production line created in the field of pipe processing utilizes group technology and rhythmic production mode, combined with industrial kanban and barcode technology to achieve dynamic monitoring of the production process.
We promote full 3D production design based on MBD, which minimizes design changes during the production process through the distribution of design models and producibility verification. ”The head of the digitalization department stated. This transformation has revitalized this old shipyard with nearly a century of history.
Green Track: The Dance of Methanol and Sails
In the shipyard assembly area, the world's first sail assisted methanol dual fuel roll on/roll off transport ship has begun to take shape. The ship innovatively integrates two green technologies, methanol fuel power and wind assisted propulsion, and is equipped with the world's largest six rotating wind tubes.
Rendering of the world's first sail assisted methanol dual fuel roll on/roll off transport ship. Photo by Xie Jingu
The traditional sail, which used to fade away from the shipping industry, has been revitalized with a new look under the global low-carbon requirements of shipping, "the project leader pointed to the upcoming installation of rotating wind tubes. These devices can convert lateral wind" resistance "into" power "to propel ships forward, greatly reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
Green ships: cost reduced to 25% for conventional power
Wuchang Shipbuilding is one of the earliest shipyards in China to conduct research on the application of green ships. The first domestic 2000 ton dual-purpose new energy transport ship independently developed by the company has been delivered for operation, and the actual operating cost of the ship is only 25% of that of conventional power ships.
On October 14th, CSSC Wuchang Shipbuilding and Jurong Construction Investment Co., Ltd. in Huainan City, Anhui Province successfully signed a contract for the construction of a methanol powered new energy ship, achieving a new breakthrough in the field of green ships and injecting strong momentum into the construction of the "zero carbon Huai River". At present, Wuchang Shipbuilding holds more than 30 orders for 25900DWT stainless steel chemical tankers and 18500DWT refined oil chemical tankers, and is building them in an orderly manner according to the new model of batch flow rate shipbuilding.
Meritorious ship rebirth: Continuation of mission of 600000 nautical miles
On September 27th, the "Dongfanghong 2" ocean comprehensive scientific research internship ship, which was renovated by Wuchang Shipbuilding, was successfully launched. This scientific research vessel, with 27 years of glorious achievements, sailed 600000 nautical miles, equivalent to circling the earth 28 times, and is a true "hero" of scientific research.
The "Dongfanghong 2" marine comprehensive scientific exploration internship ship, renovated by Wuchang Shipbuilding. Photo by Xie Jingu
The renovation project aims to restore functionality, expand capabilities, and optimize performance, achieving six major upgrades. After the renovation, the ship has the capability of "unlimited navigation area and global navigation", and can reach most sea areas around the world for operations, ensuring another 30 years of use.
Wuchang Shipbuilding is one of the shipbuilding enterprises in China with the largest variety, quantity, and technological content of scientific research ships. From the "Ocean 6" to the "Science", from the "Xiangyanghong" series to the Jiaolong mother ship "Deep Sea 1", these famous scientific research ships are all built by Wuchang Shipbuilding.
In the renovation of the "Dongfanghong 2" ship, the technical team adopted a special vibration reduction and noise reduction technology, and innovatively adopted the "weight active margin management" technology to ensure that the weight center of gravity of the empty ship accurately meets the design requirements. These technological innovations ensure that this meritorious ship continues to contribute to the national marine industry.
Talent Land: Birth of 44 'Digital Craftsmen'
At the machining workshop of Wuchang Shipbuilding Electromechanical Division, Tao Xingquan, born in the 1990s, is debugging his latest patent application - "Projection Line Calibration Tool". This beam of light reduces the traditional calibration error from ± 0.5 millimeters to ± 0.1 millimeters, reflecting the innovative vitality of young craftsmen.
If you don't do it, you won't feel at ease. "Tao Xingquan's simple words expressed the common traits of young people in Wuchang. From an ordinary mechanic to an expert who enjoys special government allowances from the State Council, his growth trajectory is a microcosm of the talent revitalization of this century old shipyard.
The three-dimensional training mode of "theory+practice+innovation" pioneered by Tao Xingquan has completed basic training for more than 400 people in CNC machining. Among the 44 "digital craftsmen" he brought out, more than ten provincial and municipal model workers and technical experts have emerged.
Nowadays, Tao Xingquan is promoting the "CNC+" energy efficiency improvement action, forming a young party member red assault team, and through optimizing production scheduling and strengthening control, achieving four major breakthroughs in programming automation, personnel precision, production rhythm, and management refinement, to create an efficient and precise CNC production line.
On the banks of the Yangtze River, Wuchang Shipbuilding, a century old shipyard founded in 1934, is sailing towards the deep blue with a youthful attitude. From green intelligent ships to high-end marine equipment, from digital design to intelligent manufacturing, the new generation of shipbuilders is writing a new chapter in the high-quality development of China's shipbuilding industry with innovation and perseverance. Guided by the corporate mission of "building excellent equipment for national defense and creating material wealth for society", Wuchang Shipbuilding not only forges major national weapons, but also cultivates new manufacturing forces that can resonate with the times.