China’s Ocean-Going Auto Transport Fleet Enters the “Era of Mega-Ships” and “New Energy Era”

Recently, amid the resounding blast of a ship’s horn, China COSCO Shipping’s first batch of new 7,500-car-capacity LNG dual-fuel ro-ro vessels was christened and set sail on its maiden voyage. This marks the official entry of China’s ocean-going auto transport fleet into the “Era of Mega-Ships” and “New Energy Era.” Rows of brand-new vehicles slowly drove onto the stern ramp of the newly named vessel Liaohekou, which will carry over 5,000 vehicles from brands such as BAIC, Liuzhou Auto, BYD, and Chery on its journey to Europe. Meanwhile, its sister ship Minjiangkou, after completing loading operations in Shanghai, will transport over 4,800 vehicles to the Persian Gulf.

In recent years, China COSCO Shipping has focused on addressing new challenges in auto exports, actively leveraging its advantages in shipping, ports, and logistics to provide comprehensive support for domestic automakers and facilitate the “global expansion of Chinese vehicles.” COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers, a subsidiary of China COSCO Shipping, has developed a diversified transport model combining “ro-ro shipping + heavy-lift vessel hoisting + specialized frames on multipurpose ships,” while actively expanding containerized auto transport. This multi-modal approach meets the varied logistics needs of automakers. The company has established 157 shipping routes covering 60 ports and offers 310 tailored services, significantly expanding export coverage. Additionally, it has optimized its global port network, operating 38 ports with 371 berths worldwide, forming a global terminal business framework centered on China while fostering international growth. The group also provides a range of value-added services. In 2023, China COSCO Shipping transported 429,000 vehicles, and in the first half of 2024 alone, it handled 215,000 units—a 7.5% year-on-year increase—contributing maritime strength to the global reach of “Made in China.”

While ensuring secure and stable supply chain services for clients, COSCO SHIPPING Group has accelerated fleet expansion, building a large-scale, technologically advanced, and eco-friendly specialized auto carrier fleet to support China’s vehicle exports. Since 2022, COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers and its joint venture Guangzhou Yuanhai Car Carrier Transportation Co., Ltd. have placed orders for 24 modern LNG dual-fuel ro-ro vessels with capacities ranging from 7,000 to 8,600 cars.

The newly delivered Liaohekou and Minjiangkou are both 7,500-car-capacity LNG dual-fuel ro-ro ships, with performance metrics leading the domestic industry. According to the plan, five more vessels will be delivered and operational in the second half of this year, followed by 11 in 2025 and six in 2026. By then, the company will operate a dedicated fleet of around 30 ships with an annual transport capacity of 700,000 vehicles, 80% of which will be clean-energy-powered.

Green and smart shipping is the future of global maritime development. The newly delivered 7,500-car LNG dual-fuel ro-ro vessels are designed to meet the International Maritime Organization’s stringent Tier III emission standards and incorporate advanced green technologies. Compared to traditional fuel-powered carriers, they reduce energy consumption by approximately 20%, cut carbon emissions by 27%, slash nitrogen oxide emissions by 30%, and eliminate 99% of sulfur oxide and over 90% of particulate matter (PM) emissions. Once operational, these ships will achieve a carbon reduction rate exceeding 24%. For instance, on a typical round-trip voyage between China and Europe, using LNG as an alternative fuel can reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 2,100 metric tons per trip.

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Original article link: “http://www.sasac.gov.cn/n2588025/n2588124/c31181137/content.html“.
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