In a bold move to support its booming electric vehicle (EV) industry, the Chinese mainland has just delivered the world’s largest ocean-going car carrier vessel. The ship left Shanghai this week bound for Europe, carrying around 7,000 domestically produced new energy vehicles (NEVs).
Built by SAIC Anji Logistics, a subsidiary of SAIC Motor, the 9,500-vehicle capacity carrier cruises at a top speed of 19 knots. “Later, we will put seven more super-large car carriers into service. Our ocean shipping routes for finished vehicles will cover all major car markets around the world, with more than 100 destinations,” says Zhuang Jingxiong, general manager of SAIC Anji Logistics.
This expansion comes as automakers such as BYD and Chery ramp up their global ambitions. With demand surging in Europe, Southeast Asia, and emerging markets, robust shipping capacity is now critical to stay ahead in the competitive EV race.
Industry data shows ocean freight bottlenecks have been a key hurdle for global EV supply chains. By investing in custom-built carriers, SAIC expects to cut transit times and logistics costs, making its NEVs more competitive abroad.
Experts predict that as more carriers join the fleet, the Chinese mainland could reshape maritime auto logistics, reinforcing its position as a leading EV exporter and offering a blueprint for other automakers eyeing international growth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
