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World’s largest solar-powered car vessel delivers 4,000 Chinese vehicles to Greece
The Yuanhai Kou achieves significant environmental benefits, consuming 20% less energy and minimizing approximately 2,100 tons of carbon emissions.
Yuanhai Kou, the world’s largest solar energy-powered vehicle carrier ship built by China COSCO Shipping Corporation, has successfully completed its maiden voyage after docking at the Piraeus Port car terminal in Greece with 4,000 Chinese-made cars on board.
The Yuanhai Kou is equipped with the largest shipborne photovoltaic system of its kind, delivering a peak power output of 302.8 kilowatts. According to reports, its lifecycle carbon intensity is approximately 35 percent lower than that of traditional vessels, marking a significant step towards greener shipping.
Measuring 199.9 meters in length, the vessel has a gross tonnage of 68,252 tons and a displacement of 39,069 tons. The ship features 12 vehicle decks, including eight fixed and four movable decks, providing enough space to transport up to 7,000 vehicles such as passenger cars, engineering equipment, and buses.
Dual-fuel ship cuts China-Europe voyage emissions by 2,100 tons
Having departed from Nansha Port in Guangzhou, the vessel was fully loaded with Chinese-brand vehicles—more than 90% of which are new energy vehicles (NEVs)—as it made its way to destinations including Turkey, Italy, and Tunisia. Designed as China’s largest photovoltaic (PV) + LNG energy car carrier, the Yuanhai Kou features a dual-fuel engine using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel oil, and smart loading software to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
The vessel achieves significant environmental benefits, saving about 20 percent in energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions by more than 24 percent compared to traditional ships using conventional fuels. According to reports, each round-trip voyage between China and Europe results in a reduction of approximately 2,100 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, highlighting the vessel’s role in promoting greener maritime transport.
Furthermore, the carrier’s advanced technology continuously monitors the precise location of vehicles on board and provides early warnings in case of fire hazards. These features enhance operational safety and are particularly important for secure overseas transport of new energy vehicles, ensuring both cargo protection and risk mitigation during long voyages.
Vessel’s Longi solar modules generate 410,000 kWh annually
Equipped with more than 500 high-efficiency Sea-Shield solar modules from global manufacturer Longi, the onboard photovoltaic (PV) system of the Yuanhai Kou is installed across the upper decks. These modules produce around 410,000 kWh of electricity annually, helping reduce fuel use by about 111 tons and lowering CO₂ emissions by nearly 346 tons—equal to planting almost 38,000 trees.
Source: interestingengineering.com
