China Launches Advanced Dual-Fuel Car Carrier
20th March 2025 – China has successfully delivered a state-of-the-art dual-fuel car carrier, marking a significant achievement in the realm of shipbuilding efficiency. The vessel, capable of transporting 8,600 vehicles, had its hull assembly and commissioning completed in an unprecedented 200 days, setting a new record for large vehicle carriers in the nation.
The carrier is an impressive 199.9 metres in length and 38 metres in width, and it is designed to operate using both traditional fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Featuring 14 decks, it offers enhanced capabilities for loading and unloading a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses, thereby optimizing its operational efficiency.
Named Wen Jing Kou, this innovative carrier was constructed by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. in conjunction with China Shipbuilding Trading Co. The vessel is equipped with versatile cargo handling capabilities and flexible loading configurations. Its design not only focuses on operational effectiveness but also emphasizes reduced emissions for heightened environmental sustainability.
The Wen Jing Kou is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage soon, navigating a Europe liner route that commences from Shanghai. It will transport over 5,700 commercial vehicles and engineering equipment to major ports such as Bristol in the UK and Zeebrugge in Belgium. This operation aims to address the increasing capacity demands on European routes while simultaneously elevating the influence of Chinese manufacturing within the global automotive trade, all within the context of promoting green development in international shipping.
Recent data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology highlight a positive trend in the country’s major shipbuilding indicators for 2024. This marks the 15th consecutive year where China has maintained its leadership in these metrics globally. The share of new shipbuilding orders specifically for eco-friendly vessels has significantly risen, leaping from 31.5% in 2021 to 78.5% in 2024. This trend underscores the substantial investments by several shipbuilders in green fuel technologies, including LNG, hydrogen, and ammonia, positioning themselves strategically to meet evolving market demands.
The launching of the Wen Jing Kou represents a leap forward in China’s shipbuilding capabilities and aligns with the broader, global shift towards environmentally sustainable maritime transportation. This new dual-fuel car carrier not only exemplifies technological advancement but also underscores the vital role of innovation in achieving more sustainable global trade practices.
