On September 19, COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers celebrated the naming and delivery of its new 7,000-CEU dual-fuel LNG PCTC, GAN JIANG KOU, in Nansha, Guangzhou. This vessel is among the nine customized PCTCs developed in collaboration with Guangzhou Shipyard International and will be operated post-delivery by Guangzhou Yuanhai Automobile Shipping Co., Ltd., a joint venture subsidiary under COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers.
The GAN JIANG KOU boasts an impressive total length of 199.9 meters, with a molded beam of 38 meters and a depth of 14.8 meters. Its design draft stands at 8.6 meters, expandable to a maximum draft of 10 meters. Powered by a two-stroke dual-fuel main engine and complemented by a fixed-pitch propeller, three dual-fuel generators, a bow thruster, and a semi-suspended twisted rudder, the ship achieves a speed of 19 knots. Additionally, it features two 1,675 cubic meter LNG tanks, utilizing both fuel oil and natural gas to comply with IMO TIER III NOx emission standards. The onboard natural gas capacity ensures uninterrupted operation throughout the entire voyage.
The vessel features a versatile cargo configuration with 12 car decks, comprising 8 fixed and 4 liftable decks. Its starboard side is fitted with both stern and side doors, facilitating the transport of cars, vans, freight-loaded trailers, heavy trucks, and other vehicle models. Besides standard vehicles, it can also carry certain IMDG code-packaged dangerous goods. Notably, all the 12 decks are designated for fuel vehicles and lithium battery vehicles, while the 11th and 12th decks are equipped to handle new energy vehicles powered by hydrogen and natural gas.
The maiden voyage of the GAN JIANG KOU will see it deployed on the Southeast Africa route, ferrying vehicles from domestic original equipment manufacturers from Shanghai to South Africa.
In recent years, COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers has been proactively developing a "three-core and three-chain" automotive logistics industry framework. This initiative is centered on constructing a green and efficient world-class fleet. Between 2024 and 2026, over 20 PCTCs are expected to be delivered and operational, forming approximately 30 specialized PCTC fleets. This expansion aims to achieve an annual transportation capacity of around 700,000 vehicles, with clean energy vessels constituting up to 80% of the fleet. This initiative further solidifies the company's commitment to green shipping sustainable development strategies, offering global customers more eco-friendly and efficient logistics solutions.
