20th March 2025 – (Beijing) China has successfully delivered a new dual-fuel car carrier capable of transporting 8,600 vehicles, achieving a significant milestone in shipbuilding efficiency. The vessel’s hull assembly and commissioning were completed in a record 200 days, the fastest for large vehicle carriers in the country’s history, according to reports.
Measuring 199.9 metres in length and 38 metres in width, the carrier is designed to operate using both traditional fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG). It features 14 decks that enhance its ability to load and unload vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses, optimising operational efficiency, as reported by China Media Group.
Named Wen Jing Kou, the carrier was constructed by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. and China Shipbuilding Trading Co. The vessel is characterised by its versatile cargo handling capabilities, flexible loading configurations, reduced emissions for environmental sustainability, and enhanced operational effectiveness, as noted by chinanews.com.
The Wen Jing Kou will commence its maiden voyage soon, serving a Europe liner route that departs from Shanghai carrying more than 5,700 commercial vehicles and engineering equipment destined for major ports, including Bristol in the UK and Zeebrugge in Belgium. This operation is expected to address the growing capacity demands on European routes and bolster Chinese manufacturing’s influence in global automotive trade alongside the green development of international shipping.
Recent data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology revealed an upward trend in the country’s major shipbuilding indicators in 2024, marking the 15th consecutive year that China has led these metrics worldwide. The share of new shipbuilding orders for eco-friendly vessels has also surged from 31.5% in 2021 to 78.5% in 2024, with several shipbuilders making significant investments in green fuel technologies, such as LNG, hydrogen, and ammonia, positioning themselves to meet future market demands effectively.9:51 PM
Source: dimsumdaily.hk
