World’s largest solar car vessel carries 4,000 vehicles on first voyage

The Yuanhai Kou, built by China COSCO Shipping Corporation, is the world’s largest solar-powered car carrier vessel and has completed its maiden voyage delivering 4,000 Chinese-made vehicles to Greece. Measuring nearly 200 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 68,252 tons, the ship features 12 vehicle decks capable of transporting up to 7,000 vehicles, including passenger cars and buses. It is equipped with the largest shipborne photovoltaic system, generating a peak power output of 302.8 kilowatts and producing about 410,000 kWh annually through over 500 high-efficiency Longi Sea-Shield solar modules. These solar panels reduce fuel consumption by approximately 111 tons and cut CO₂ emissions by nearly 346 tons per year, contributing to significant environmental benefits. The Yuanhai Kou operates with a dual-fuel engine using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel oil, achieving around 20% energy savings and a 24% reduction