COSCO Launches its Largest LNG and Solar-Powered Pure Car and Truck Carrier

The Yuan Hai Kou of COSCO Shipping Car Carriers, has set sail from the Chinese port of Guangzhou for the Mediterranean. The Yuan Hai Kou is the the world’s first PCTC combining LNG dual-fuel propulsion + rooftop solar PV + certified NEV (New Energy Vehicle) transport safety standards.

The rapid growth in Chinese car exports has caused a shortage of car carriers, forcing local automakers such as BYD, Chery, and SAIC to create their own fleets to reduce costs and stabilize logistics.

The ship is deployed on the China–Mediterranean express route, sailing from Guangzhou Nansha Port to Piraeus (Greece), Izmit (Turkey), Gioia Tauro (Italy), and Rades (Tunisia) - covering key Belt and Road ports with an optimized 30-day single-leg transit, nearly 30% faster than mainstream routes.

The vessel cuts CO₂ emissions by 27%, NOx by 30%, SOx by 99%, and particulate matter by 90%.

With the largest PV system ever installed on a PCTC, the system generates 410,000 kWh annually.

With this ship, COSCO Shipping’s car carrier fleet expands to 20. The company aims to reach 30 vessels as early as 2026.

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