In a landmark achievement for its maritime industry, China has delivered the world's first pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) with a capacity exceeding 10,000 vehicles. The vessel, named the Glovis Leader, represents a significant leap in high-end manufacturing and green shipping technology.
A Floating Parking Garage
The Glovis Leader, with a record capacity of 10,800 car-equivalent-units (CEU), was recently handed over at a shipyard in Guangzhou City. Designed by the CSSC Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute, the massive ship measures 230 meters in length and 40 meters in width. Its 14 deck levels are engineered to flexibly accommodate a diverse mix of vehicles, including electric cars, hydrogen-fueled vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks.
A key to its environmental credentials is a dual-fuel LNG propulsion system that meets the International Maritime Organization's strictest Tier III emission standards. The ship also features an independent 1,450-kilowatt permanent magnet shaft generator, which allows for power generation while sailing and drastically reduces energy consumption. Combined with optimized hull lines, waste heat recovery, and a high-voltage shore power system, the vessel sets new benchmarks for efficiency. An intelligent ship management system further enhances operational safety by continuously monitoring navigation, machinery, and cargo status.
High Efficiency Driving Growth
The builder, Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), has now delivered 26 car carriers in total. This includes 19 vessels with 7,000 CEU capacity, six with 8,600 CEU, and now this pioneering 10,800 CEU ship, contributing nearly 200,000 vehicle slots to global maritime trade. Last year, in 2025, GSI's 11 delivered ships were completed an average of 151 days ahead of schedule, demonstrating remarkable production efficiency.
This track record has fueled strong international demand. GSI currently holds an order book valued at approximately 100 billion yuan, with over 95% of contracts coming from overseas clients. Its production schedule is fully booked through 2030, underscoring the global confidence in Chinese shipbuilding expertise and its role in providing innovative solutions for the evolving needs of the international shipping industry.
Reference(s):
China delivers world's first ship that carries 10,800 cars at one time
cgtn.com
