China's Massive New Car Carrier Embarks on Its Maiden Voyage from Shanghai

Screengrab from YouTube video posted by New China TV

China has just launched the largest ocean-going car carrier in the world, setting sail from Shanghai on May 22.This notable vessel, named Anji Ansheng, is transporting around 7,000 vehicles—primarily new energy cars—on its way to Europe.

Built by SAIC Anji Logistics Ltd.,a branch of SAIC Motor Corporation,this ship measures an impressive 228 meters long and 37.8 meters wide.It boasts a capacity for up to 9,500 standard vehicles, making it the most spacious car carrier ever constructed.

This achievement surpasses the previous record held by another Chinese ship launched only weeks prior—the BYD Shenzhen.According to experts in Chinese public policy, this advancement highlights china’s ability to navigate foreign trade challenges amid global uncertainties.

The Anji Ansheng isn’t just about size; it’s also designed with energy efficiency in mind. Equipped with advanced low-carbon systems and a methanol fuel reserve, it aims for high energy performance while minimizing environmental impact.

SAIC Anji logistics has big plans ahead! They’re looking to roll out seven more super-sized car carriers soon and expand their reach to over 100 destinations worldwide—including Western Europe and Southeast Asia—as part of their ambitious strategy.

By 2026, they expect their fleet will grow to include 22 vessels as companies like BYD and Chery ramp up their international presence.

historically dominated by Japanese and South Korean shipping firms that often led to high costs and delays for Chinese manufacturers, international car shipping is undergoing a conversion thanks to these new developments.

To tackle these challenges head-on, SAIC has invested nearly $1.4 billion (around 10 billion yuan) into creating a fleet of ultra-large RoRo ships capable of carrying over 7,600 vehicles each—a move expected to cut export costs per vehicle by about ten percent!

Industry insiders believe that owning these ships not only stabilizes logistics but also reduces dependence on foreign carriers while bolstering the competitiveness of Chinese automakers globally.

In related news within China’s automotive sector: BYD recently delivered its fourth large car carrier earlier this year in Jiangsu Province—the BYD Shenzhen—which can transport over 9,000 vehicles using both LNG and customary marine fuels. This innovation helps lower CO₂ emissions significantly compared to older models.Additionally equipped with photovoltaic energy storage systems for zero-carbon emissions during loading/unloading processes makes it quite an eco-pleasant option!

BYD is gearing up for its next launch—the BYD xi’an—expected mid-year with room for around 9,200 vehicles as they aim for all eight RoRo ships operational by late-2025; already moving more than 25k new energy cars overseas just this past quarter!

chery Automobile isn’t lagging either; they kicked off operations with their first ocean-going carrier back in January and plan two more launches before mid-2025!

On another exciting note: China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd (CMES) made waves recently with the launch of what’s touted as the world’s first methanol dual-fuel car carrier on May 21 at Nantong shipyard!

This vessel measures nearly as long as two football fields at approximately 219.9 meters while accommodating around 9,300 vehicles—all built under strict IMO Tier III emission standards using innovative methanol dual-fuel technology!

With six additional methanol-powered PCTCs ordered—including four smaller vessels set for delivery between now through early-2026—this initiative marks important progress toward greener maritime transport solutions within China’s booming auto export industry.

according to data from China’s General Management of Customs for last year alone: exports exceeded 6.4 million units solidifying its status as top global auto exporter again! Just within Q1 alone this year saw exports surpassing 1.93 million units—a notable increase compared year-on-year!

References: english.gov.cn , cgtn