China’s shipbuilding industry has achieved a remarkable milestone with the delivery of an independently developed 8,600-car carrier, setting a new record for construction speed. The vessel, measuring approximately 200 meters in length and 38 meters in width, is a dual-fuel carrier powered by both fuel oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Designed with 14 decks for vehicle parking, it can efficiently transport up to 8,600 passenger cars, trucks, or buses, showcasing China’s growing expertise in advanced shipbuilding technologies.
What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is the unprecedented speed at which the vessel was constructed. The hull assembly and adjustment process was completed in just 200 days, the fastest time ever recorded in China for a car carrier of this scale. This accomplishment underscores the country’s ability to integrate cutting-edge construction techniques and optimize design processes to overcome efficiency bottlenecks.
Li Zhizhong, production director of CSSC’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, highlighted the key factors behind this success. “Our integrated construction technology and optimized roll-on/roll-off system design have enabled us to break this record. The vessel boasts excellent performance, high energy efficiency, and broad adaptability for different vehicle types,” he said. Looking ahead, the shipbuilder has already secured orders for even larger car carriers, including models capable of transporting 9,000 and 10,800 vehicles, the latter being the largest of its kind.
The delivery of this vessel is part of a broader push by China’s shipbuilding industry to enhance its global competitiveness. CSSC’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding aims to deliver 28 vessels in 2024, having already delivered seven new ships this year at an impressive rate of one ship every 11 working days. This rapid pace of production reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and meeting the growing demand for advanced maritime transport solutions.
China’s achievement in constructing the 8,600-car carrier not only demonstrates its technological prowess but also positions the country as a leader in the global shipbuilding industry. As the demand for eco-friendly and high-capacity vessels continues to rise, China’s ability to deliver cutting-edge ships at record speeds will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of maritime transportation.
