World’s largest solar-powered car carrier completes maiden voyage to Greece
New era marks milestone in green shipping as eco-friendly giant vessel brings 4,000 vehicles to Greece from China
China’s COSCO Shipping Limited has announced the successful maiden voyage of the Yuan Haikou, the world’s largest solar-powered vehicle cargo ship, which arrived at the port of Piraeus, Greece, carrying 4,000 Chinese-made vehicles.
The vessel is equipped with the largest solar energy system of its kind, boasting a 302.8-kilowatt capacity that generates 410,000 kilowatt-hours annually. According to Science and Technology Daily, this results in a 35% reduction in carbon intensity over its lifecycle compared to traditional ships, according to news agencies.
Spanning 199.9 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 68,252 tons and a displacement of 39,069 tons, the Yuan Haikou is built with 12 decks — eight fixed and four adjustable — and can transport up to 7,000 vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and buses.
The ship operates on a dual-fuel system using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel oil, leading to a 20% reduction in energy consumption and more than 24% lower carbon emissions. For example, a single round-trip from China to Europe can cut emissions by an estimated 2,100 tons.
Zhang Wei, Chairman of COSCO Shipping Specialized Shipping Co., Ltd., emphasized the strategic importance of this milestone, saying, “The successful maiden voyage is a tangible step in our global strategy, merging ocean freight, port operations, and logistics, while setting a benchmark for the low-carbon transformation of the global shipping industry.”
Zhang also revealed that COSCO’s auto shipping fleet transported over 100,000 vehicles to Belt and Road countries between January and May 2025, marking a 173% year-on-year increase.
