Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) has commenced landmark sea trials for the world’s first pure car truck carrier (PCTC) capable of transporting over 10,000 vehicles. The vessel departed from Guangzhou, Guangdong province, marking a significant milestone in maritime transportation technology.
Measuring 230 meters in length with a molded breadth of 40 meters and structural draft of 10.5 meters, this pioneering vessel represents cutting-edge shipbuilding achievement. The PCTC features an innovative 14-deck garage design that provides exceptional flexibility for carrying diverse vehicle types, including electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks, with a maximum capacity of 10,800 vehicles.
Propelled by an advanced diesel and LNG dual-fuel system equipped with shaft generators, the vessel achieves speeds up to 19 knots (approximately 36 kilometers per hour) while generating power during navigation for enhanced energy efficiency. This sophisticated propulsion technology enables significant emission reductions, allowing the vessel to comply with stringent IMO Tier III environmental standards.
The development underscores China’s growing leadership in specialized maritime transport solutions and green shipping technologies. This breakthrough in PCTC capacity and efficiency sets new benchmarks for the global automotive logistics industry, potentially transforming how vehicles are transported internationally while addressing environmental concerns through cleaner propulsion systems.