China’s large photovoltaic (PV) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel car carrier, the “Yuan Hai Kou,” has successfully completed its maiden voyage, arriving at Greece’s Piraeus Port with 4,000 Chinese vehicles onboard, according to China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited.
The vessel features multiple green and intelligent technologies to ensure low-carbon operations throughout its voyages.
In addition to an advanced LNG dual-fuel main engine, it is equipped with a 302.8-kilowatt solar system, the largest of its kind, capable of generating 410,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This reduces the ship’s carbon intensity by 35 percent over its lifecycle compared to conventional vessels.
“The successful maiden voyage of the ‘Yuan Hai Kou’ is a practical step forward in COSCO Shipping’s global channel strategy, integrating shipping, ports and logistics while setting a new benchmark for low-carbon transformation in the global shipping industry,” said Zhang Wei, chairman of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd.
Measuring 199.9 meters in length, the vessel has a gross tonnage of 68,252 tonnes and a displacement of 39,069 tonnes. It features 12 vehicle decks, eight fixed and four adjustable, and can carry the equivalent of 7,000 cars. According to the report, it is capable of transporting passenger vehicles, engineering trucks and buses.
Its dual-fuel engine that runs on LNG and fuel oil help cut energy consumption by 20 percent and cuts carbon emissions by over 24 percent. For instance, a round trip from China to Europe lowers emissions by 2,100 tonnes.
The ship also uses proprietary software developed by COSCO Shipping to enable real-time vehicle tracking and fire warnings, enhancing safety for the export of new energy vehicles.
Zhang said that COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers’ fleet transported over 100,000 vehicles to Belt and Road partner countries from January to May this year, marking a 173 percent year-on-year increase.
