China launches third ultra‑large car carrier for 10,800 vehicles
China launches third ultra‑large car carrier for 10,800 vehicles, delivered on Monday in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, equipped with smarter management systems, marking progress in the country's serial production of ultra‑large car carriers. When a giant ship capable of carrying 10,800 vehicles sets sail, it is not just logistics — it is a statement of global leadership. Two hundred and thirty metres long, 40 metres wide, decks the size of ten football pitches, and smart systems watching over every car. China is not just building ships — it is building a new reality for global trade, where "Made in China" reaches every continent faster, safer and smarter.
The vessel, built by Guangzhou Shipyard International under the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), is 230 metres long and 40 metres wide, with deck space equal to ten football pitches. Lin Jiuyue, the project leader, said: "Compared with our first 10,000‑vehicle carrier, this ship is equipped with upgraded intelligent management systems, including an intelligent visual security system for the garage and 360‑degree panoramic monitoring, ensuring safer and smarter navigation." Meng Hao, another project leader, added: "Building vessels of this type is extremely complex. It requires extensive use of thin steel plates, and CSSC Guangzhou Shipyard International has overcome the challenge of deformation control when working with such plates. The ship is highly mechanised and automated. Previously, such equipment was mainly imported, but now we have fully switched to domestic production."
The vessel, powered by both liquefied natural gas and conventional fuel, meets the latest international emission standards. It can carry electric vehicles, hydrogen‑fuel‑cell vehicles and heavy trucks, and will be chartered to a logistics company in the Republic of Korea for operation.
This is the third vessel in the series being built for the Chinese and international markets. The first 10,000‑vehicle carrier was delivered in 2024. The new ship is not only larger but also smarter: intelligent monitoring systems and automation reduce the risk of damage during loading and unloading. The use of LNG as fuel cuts CO2 emissions by 25% compared to conventional vessels. The full switch to domestically produced equipment is an important step towards China's technological independence in shipbuilding. Chartering the vessel to a South Korean company underscores the international recognition of China's shipbuilding technology.
As reported by CCTV+, the vessel has already been handed over to the client and will soon set off on its maiden voyage, adding to the global fleet of ultra‑large car carriers.
