To further the development of its electric propulsion systems and services for the maritime industry, ePropulsion has opened a brand-new research and development (R&D) center in Shanghai, China.
Many of the systems planned for development in the newly established R&D Center will be designed to connect and subsequently integrate with the Internet of Boats and other technologies to enable the advancement of autonomous vessel solutions. Similar solutions are already being developed at ePropulsion’s other centers in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
“The establishment of the new R&D Center in Shanghai is another exciting milestone in our ambition to be at the forefront of the industry, driving change through continuous innovation,” said Danny Tao, co-founder and CEO of ePropulsion. “The R&D Center in Shanghai plugs the gap in our research and development capabilities for high-power energy systems and electric propulsion systems. It will enhance our expertise in system research and development, design and integration, which will be key to unlocking the potential of the high-power boat market and the market for hybrid solutions.”
The R&D facility will be headed up by ePropulsion’s R&D director, Mingwei Shi, who was recently appointed to the company. Shi brings with him over 10 years of experience in the maritime sector, including a stint at ABB. He benefits from having a master’s degree in control theory and control engineering, in addition to having a deep technical understanding of marine electric propulsion systems, variable-frequency drive systems, lithium battery energy storage systems and networking. The company hopes Shi will help to improve the company’s R&D capabilities and management and aid in expanding business in East China and other markets.
“I’m delighted to join ePropulsion at what is an exciting and transformational time for the marine sector,” commented Shi. “In line with our vision to lead the way to a more sustainable, climate-friendly and intelligent marine industry, we will continue to launch innovative and competitive new system solutions to support the development of the company’s system integration business – another area that is undergoing rapid growth. Our center in Shanghai will be an important hub to facilitate our business in East China and other regions of the country and overseas markets as we look to capitalize on the growing appetite for electric propulsion solutions.”