China has delivered the world’s largest car carrier, underscoring its growing dominance in advanced shipbuilding and the surging global demand for automotive transport. The vessel, Glovis Leader, boasts a capacity of 10,800 car equivalent units, setting a new benchmark for the scale of vehicle logistics at sea.
Built by Guangzhou Shipyard International under the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, it was formally handed over in Guangzhou. Owned by HMM and operated by Hyundai Glovis, the ship stretches 230 metres in length and 40 metres in width, with a design draught of 10.5 metres and a cruising speed of 19 knots.
Its 14 vehicle decks are engineered to accommodate a broad mix of cargo, from electric and hydrogen-powered cars to heavy trucks. In line with tightening environmental standards, Glovis Leader is powered by a dual-fuel engine capable of running on liquefied natural gas as well as conventional fuel.
It complies with IMO Tier III emissions regulations and incorporates a suite of efficiency measures, including an optimised hull, waste heat recovery systems and shore power capability. A shaft generator further enhances efficiency by producing electricity during voyages, reducing overall fuel consumption.
Hyundai Glovis Chief Executive Lee Kyoo-bok said the vessel is poised to “set a new benchmark for global automobile transport”, reflecting both technological progress and evolving industry needs. The delivery highlights China’s rapid ascent in high-end shipbuilding, with domestic yards increasingly responsible for record-breaking vessels.
Analysts say the trend mirrors a broader shift towards larger, more efficient and lower-emission ships, as the industry adapts to rising environmental expectations and sustained demand for vehicle transport worldwide.