In a major milestone for China’s shipbuilding industry, the country has delivered its latest dual-fuel car carrier, capable of carrying up to 8,600 vehicles. The new vessel, named Wen Jing Kou, was delivered on Thursday with a remarkable construction achievement – it was completed in just 200 days, setting the fastest construction record for large vehicle carriers in China.
The Wen Jing Kou measures 199.9 meters in overall length and 38 meters in beam. This dual-fuel ship is designed to run on both traditional fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG), reflecting China’s growing focus on environmentally sustainable technologies. With 14 decks, the vessel can transport a wide variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses. The ship’s design prioritizes efficient loading and unloading, making it a versatile and agile addition to China’s shipping fleet.
Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co and China Shipbuilding Trading Co, the Wen Jing Kou not only offers operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness but also boasts environmentally friendly emissions and an adaptable cargo capacity. According to reports, this new car carrier will serve on a Europe liner service, departing from Shanghai with over 5,700 vehicles and engineering equipment bound for major ports such as Bristol in the UK and Zeebrugge in Belgium.
The addition of the Wen Jing Kou will help meet the growing demand for vehicle transport capacity on the European route, injecting momentum into global automotive trade. Its dual-fuel capabilities are part of a larger trend in China’s shipping industry toward greener vessels, supporting the development of international shipping with reduced environmental impact.
China’s shipbuilding sector has been showing impressive growth, with data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology revealing positive trends in 2024. China has maintained its position as the global leader in shipbuilding for the 15th consecutive year. Moreover, Chinese shipbuilders are increasing their share in the global market for green power vessels, with the number of new orders for eco-friendly ships rising significantly from 31.5 percent in 2021 to 78.5 percent in 2024. This shift toward LNG and other green fuels like hydrogen and ammonia highlights the sector’s commitment to sustainability.
Source: slguardian.org
