China’s Largest Solar+LNG Dual-Fuel Car Carrier Sets Sail

China’s largest ocean-going cargo ship, the “Yuanhai Kou,” a solar and LNG dual-fuel car carrier, embarked on its maiden voyage from Nansha, Guangzhou, carrying vehicles primarily produced by Chinese brands. More than 90% of the cars onboard are new energy vehicles destined for countries including Greece, Turkey, Italy, and Tunisia.

The vessel measures 199.9 metres in length, with a gross tonnage of 68,252 tons and a displacement of 39,069 tons. It features 12 vehicle decks—eight fixed and four movable—with a total loading capacity of 7,000 standard car parking spaces. It can transport various types of vehicles, including sedans, engineering vehicles, buses, and MAFI cargo.

302KWp Solar Modules 

Equipped with an advanced LNG dual-fuel main engine, the “Yuanhai Kou” also boasts a distributed photovoltaic (PV) system with a peak power output of 302.8 kilowatts—the largest solar installation on any similar vessel to date.

The PV system, supplied by solar technology leader LONGi, includes more than 500 Sea-Shield series PV panels installed across the ship’s upper deck. It provides stable clean energy to power lighting, communication, and other onboard equipment. The system generates approximately 410,000 kWh annually, saving around 111 tons of fuel and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 345.9 tons per year—equivalent to planting about 38,000 trees annually.

Sea Resilient Modules 

Designed for harsh maritime conditions such as high salt spray, humidity, and vibration, LONGi’s Sea-Shield modules feature anti-corrosion materials, enhanced sealing, and specialized junction boxes to ensure reliable, efficient power generation.

LONGi said it will continue developing advanced solar solutions for diverse environments and collaborating with partners to promote green maritime energy and the “Made in China” maritime journey.