China Delivers World’s First 10,800-Vehicle Car Carrier

On April 28, 2026, the world’s first Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) with a capacity exceeding 10,000 vehicles was officially delivered in Nansha, Guangzhou, marking another major milestone for China’s high-end shipbuilding industry.

The vessel, named Glovis Leader, was built by Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), and delivered to South Korean shipping company HMM. After delivery, the vessel will be operated by Hyundai Glovis for global automotive transportation services.

A New Record in Global Automotive Shipping

With a maximum loading capacity of 10,800 standard passenger vehicles, the vessel currently holds the world record for the largest car carrier ever built. If all vehicles onboard were lined up bumper to bumper, the total length would exceed 50 kilometers.

The ship measures 230 meters in length and 40 meters in width, featuring 14 vehicle decks, including both fixed and adjustable decks designed to accommodate different vehicle types. The flexible loading system allows the vessel to transport:

• Standard passenger cars
• Electric vehicles (EVs)
• Hydrogen-powered vehicles
• Heavy-duty trucks

The vessel’s adjustable hydraulic deck system enables efficient mixed loading operations for vehicles of varying heights and sizes.

Advanced Green and Energy-Efficient Technologies

The Glovis Leader incorporates multiple environmentally friendly technologies designed to meet future sustainability standards in global shipping.

The vessel is equipped with:

• An LNG dual-fuel propulsion system
• A shaft generator system capable of generating electricity during navigation
• Energy-saving and low-emission technologies compliant with IMO Tier III environmental standards
• Reserved design space for future methanol and ammonia fuel conversion

These features significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions while supporting the maritime industry’s transition toward greener operations.

Efficient Ro-Ro Transportation System

Unlike conventional container ships, car carriers operate using a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) system, allowing vehicles to be directly driven into the vessel through ramps located at the stern or side of the ship. This method greatly improves loading and unloading efficiency.

Inside the vessel, vehicles are parked across multiple continuous decks and secured using specialized lashing systems that stabilize the cargo during ocean voyages.

To meet the growing demand for new energy vehicle transportation, dedicated sections of the ship also include enhanced fire protection, ventilation, and explosion-prevention systems.

Strengthening China’s Leadership in High-End Shipbuilding

Industry analysts believe the successful delivery of the world’s first 10,800-vehicle PCTC demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in high-value shipbuilding and further strengthens the country’s position in the global automotive logistics sector.

Driven by the rapid growth of global automobile trade and the increasing export volume of Chinese electric vehicles, demand for next-generation car carriers is expected to continue rising in the coming years.

The successful completion of this project also highlights China’s expanding influence in green shipping technologies and advanced marine engineering.