China has delivered the world’s first 10,800-CEU (car equivalent unit) capacity pure car and truck carrier equipped with solar panels to South Korea’s Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC). Built by Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), this massive vessel marks a significant advancement in maritime sustainability through its integrated solar power system and dual-fuel engines capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG). Chartered by Hyundai Glovis for international routes, the state-of-the-art vessel is designed to boost energy efficiency while curbing carbon dioxide emissions.
Measuring approximately 230 meters in length and 40 meters in beam, this next-generation carrier sets an industry milestone with its 10,800-vehicle transport capacity. The integrated rooftop solar array generates roughly 1,000 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity per day, powering onboard auxiliary systems and minimizing fuel consumption. Featuring 14 distinct decks, the vessel is engineered to accommodate standard passenger cars as well as heavy machinery, commercial trucks, and containerized cargo.
Equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion setup running on LNG and conventional marine fuel, the vessel complies with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) stringent Tier III emission limits. Capable of reaching cruising speeds of up to 19 knots with an extended range that eliminates frequent bunkering stops on long voyages, it will operate across key global shipping lanes connecting Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe. Certified by Norwegian and South Korean classification authorities, the carrier exemplifies the maritime industry’s accelerated shift toward greener, low-carbon logistical solutions.
Source: Solarbaba – In Turkish
