Canton, GA – ePropulsion Americas, the global leader in marine electric propulsion systems and services, announced today it has opened the Green and Intelligent Ships Testing (GIST) Onshore Joint Debugging Laboratory in Songshan Lake, Dongguan, marking the launch of South China’s first onshore joint debugging test platform for green and intelligent vessels recognized by the China Classification Society (CCS). The facility provides a new regional capability for testing and verifying new-energy vessel systems and is expected to support the growing marine electrification sector in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The laboratory was jointly established by ePropulsion Technology, Songshan Lake Science City Group and the Songshan Lake International Robotics Research Institute. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from maritime authorities, CCS, industry partners and research institutions.

A new testing capability for electric and hybrid vessels

The approximately 10,700-square-foot facility enables simulation and verification of multiple marine power system configurations, including fully electric and hybrid propulsion systems.

Equipped with specialized testing equipment, the laboratory supports nearly 30 standardized testing procedures covering key components such as battery, propulsion and power, remote propulsion control, frequency conversion modules, power distribution, energy management and cooling systems. These capabilities allow manufacturers to simulate operating conditions, identify potential risks and verify system integration before installation on vessels.

The laboratory is also supported by a hydrodynamics laboratory, electrical simulation platform and the Songshan Lake Water Application Test Base. Together, these facilities create a full testing pathway from design and simulation through to onshore system integration and full-scale vessel trials.

Supporting the development of the new energy marine sector

According to Danny Tao, co-founder and CEO of ePropulsion, the platform is designed to strengthen the industry’s technical infrastructure while helping companies bring new technologies to market more quickly. “Companies in the Greater Bay Area can now conduct authoritative testing aligned with CCS standards locally, significantly shortening R&D cycles and reducing certification costs,” he said. “By simulating real operating conditions, the platform also allows developers to evaluate different power architectures and identify potential risks before systems are deployed on vessels.”

The laboratory will be open to the wider industry, providing services including testing, certification support, joint standards development and technical training. “The laboratory will be open to the entire industry,” Tao added, “providing public services such as testing and certification, joint standards development and talent training, with plans to expand into strategic emerging fields such as intelligent robotics, high-end equipment and electric aviation.”

Strengthening industry standards

Zhou Liwei, Deputy General Manager of the Guangzhou Branch of the China Classification Society, said the CCS approval reflects ePropulsion’s strong technical capabilities and management systems. “We hope the GIST Onshore Joint Debugging Laboratory will play a leading role as the first onshore joint debugging test institution in South China, providing more professional and efficient inspection and certification services for the development of the new energy vessel industry,” he said.

Professor Li Zexiang, founder of the Songshan Lake International Robotics Industry Base, added that the laboratory could become an important connector within the region’s innovation ecosystem. “By leveraging the Greater Bay Area’s strong industrial supply chain, the platform can help accelerate the transition from technology R&D to real-world industrial applications,” he said.

With the launch of the GIST Onshore Joint Debugging Laboratory, the partners aim to provide critical technical infrastructure for the next generation of electric and intelligent vessels, supporting the continued growth of the marine electrification industry in South China and beyond.

For more information on ePropulsion or its revolutionary electric motors and accessories, please visit www.ePropulsion.com.

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About ePropulsion:

ePropulsion was set up in 2012 and is led by a team of technology entrepreneurs that are focused on developing uncompromising superior products. Since the company launched its first electric outboard it has fast become a force to be reckoned with in the electric propulsion market with a presence across Europe, the US and Asia. ePropulsion set out with a clear mission to become the global leader in marine electric propulsion systems and services. This pioneering, market challenger brand is at the very forefront of the industry and is recognized across the world for its exceptional product quality, performance, and technological innovations.

ePropulsion was the first company to launch a brushless, direct-drive electric outboard motor in the market and offers a portfolio of 1 – 6kW outboard engines across its Spirit and Navy ranges. These are renowned for being high quality, quiet, eco-friendly and low maintenance. In 2022, ePropulsion expanded its OEM capabilities with the global debut of the H-Series, an innovative 60-250kW electric inboard motor for vessels between 60 to 100’ (18-30m) with full displacement up to 200 tons. Subsequently, the I-Series was introduced, an environmentally friendly electric inboard motor series with advanced technology, smart features, and human-centric design. Supported by the ePropulsion Smart System Architecture (eSSA) and IoT connectivity service, it offers users an unmatched, easy-to-use, intelligent, safe, and reliable experience. The latest additions to the lineup include the X Series and the eLite Motor. Unveiled at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and METSTRADE 2023, the X Series features three innovative electric outboard motors—X12, X20, and X40—delivering remarkable propulsion systems with ingenious features. The all-new eLite is the smallest electric outboard in ePropulsion’s extensive portfolio. Benefiting from new technology and meticulous design, the eLite is set to transform the tender and small boat market. 

ePropulsion remains focused on providing customized and pioneering services for OEMs across the world, offering fully flexible solutions for a wide range of commercial and leisure marine applications. www.ePropulsion.com