COSCO SHIPPING Europe marked a significant milestone today as the world’s largest green car vessel embarked on its maiden voyage to Europe. The “Liao He Kou,” along with its sister ship “Min Jiang Kou,” stands as the world’s largest RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels, accommodating up to 7,500 vehicles across 13 decks, including 4 liftable decks.
These vessels are not just massive in size but also pioneers in environmental sustainability. Powered by LNG dual-fuel systems and equipped with cutting-edge green technologies, they comply with the stringent TIER III emission standards set by the International Maritime Organization. This innovation results in substantial energy savings and emission reductions.
Compared to traditional fuel oil RoRo vessels, these new giants reduce energy consumption by about 20%, carbon emissions by approximately 27%, nitrogen oxide emissions by 30%, sulfide emissions by a staggering 99%, and particulate matter emissions by over 90%. To put it in perspective, a typical China-Europe round-trip voyage using LNG can cut CO₂ emissions by over 2,100 tons, equivalent to the CO₂ absorbed by 10,000 adult trees over 20 years.
Today’s scene at the dock was bustling with activity as new commercial vehicles from brands like BAIC, Liuzhou Motor, BYD, and CHERY were carefully loaded onto the “Liao He Kou” for their journey to Europe. These vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring systems that allow real-time tracking of vehicle status and positioning throughout the entire transportation process. This technology provides a fully visualized experience of the automotive logistics supply chain, including monitoring cabin temperature and vehicle conditions, with high-temperature warnings and ultra-high temperature alarms ensuring optimal transport conditions.
Addressing the unique challenges of transporting large-scale and heavy new energy vehicles, Yuanhai Car Ship and Ship Technology Engineering Co., Ltd. has developed 3-ton special lashing straps specifically for car ships. These straps, which have received Chinese patent certificates for both “Appearance Design” and “Utility Model,” fill a crucial gap in the market. They offer a broader range of applications for ship loading, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the large-scale export of new energy vehicles.
As the “Liao He Kou” sets sail, it symbolizes a significant step towards greener, more sustainable maritime logistics, showcasing the future of global trade with reduced environmental impact.