China’s cutting-edge green mega ship, the “Yuan Hai Kou,” has completed its maiden voyage, arriving at Greece’s Piraeus Port with 4,000 Chinese vehicles onboard. The vessel represents a significant leap in sustainable shipping, incorporating advanced photovoltaic (PV) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel technologies to minimize carbon emissions during its journeys.
Equipped with multiple green and intelligent technologies, the “Yuan Hai Kou” is designed to ensure low-carbon operations throughout its voyages. The ship features an advanced LNG dual-fuel main engine and is fitted with a 302.8-kilowatt solar system—the largest of its kind. This solar system can generate 410,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing the ship’s carbon intensity by 35 percent over its lifecycle compared to conventional vessels.
“The successful maiden voyage of the ‘Yuan Hai Kou’ is a practical step forward in COSCO Shipping’s global channel strategy,” said Zhang Wei, chairman of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd. “It integrates shipping, ports, and logistics while setting a new benchmark for low-carbon transformation in the global shipping industry.”
Measuring 199.9 meters in length, the vessel boasts a gross tonnage of 68,252 tonnes and a displacement of 39,069 tonnes. With 12 vehicle decks—eight fixed and four adjustable—the ship can carry up to 7,000 cars, including passenger vehicles, engineering trucks, and buses.
The dual-fuel engine, capable of running on both LNG and fuel oil, helps cut energy consumption by 20 percent and carbon emissions by over 24 percent. For example, a round trip from the Chinese mainland to Europe lowers emissions by 2,100 tonnes.
In addition to its green technologies, the ship employs proprietary software developed by COSCO Shipping, enabling real-time vehicle tracking and fire warnings, enhancing safety for the export of new energy vehicles.
Zhang Wei highlighted that COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers’ fleet transported over 100,000 vehicles to Belt and Road partner countries from January to May this year, marking a 173 percent year-on-year increase.
