China State Shipbuilding Delivers World’s First 10,800-Car PCTC to South Korea’s HMM

On April 28, China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC) named and delivered the world’s first 10,800-car Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), the “HMM Navigator”, in Nansha, Guangzhou. The vessel, independently researched, designed and built by CSSC for South Korea’s HMM Shipping, has a maximum loading capacity of 10,800 vehicles, setting a new global record for the carrying capacity of similar ships. It marks a new breakthrough in China’s high-end shipbuilding capacity and provides a “Chinese solution” for the green and low-carbon transformation of the global shipping industry.

CCTV News reports that during the construction process, the CSSC project team further promoted lean management and digital intelligent shipbuilding technology, successfully overcoming key technical difficulties including thin-plate structure deformation control, hull precision control, ro-ro equipment manufacturing, ro-ro equipment hydraulic systems and liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems. These efforts significantly improved production efficiency, enabling the vessel to be delivered ahead of the contract schedule.

With an overall length of 230 meters, a width of 40 meters, a designed draft of 10.5 meters and a designed speed of 19 knots, the “HMM Navigator” adopts an LNG/fuel dual-fuel propulsion system, meeting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier Ⅲ emission standards. It features green environmental protection, energy efficiency and safety reliability, embodying CSSC’s advanced shipbuilding technology.

Designed with 14 garage decks, the vessel can flexibly load various types of vehicles, including electric vehicles, hydrogen energy vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. With a maximum loading capacity of 10,800 vehicles, the cars loaded end to end would stretch over 50 kilometers if calculated at 5 meters per standard vehicle, truly living up to the name of a “maritime giant”. After delivery, the vessel will be operated by South Korea’s Hyundai Logistics Co., Ltd.

In terms of green intelligence, the vessel is equipped with a 1,450-kilowatt permanent magnet shaft generator independently developed by CSSC, which can generate electricity while sailing. This generator alone can meet the vessel’s navigation power needs without starting additional generators, thus saving energy. Several energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies are also applied on board, such as hull line optimization, waste heat recovery and high-voltage shore power systems.

China Ship News notes that the “HMM Navigator” is also equipped with an intelligent ship system, which can conduct intelligent management of navigation, engine room and cargo, significantly improving operational efficiency and safety. This integration of green and intelligent technologies not only meets the global demand for low-carbon shipping but also showcases China’s strength in high-end ship R&D and manufacturing.

Li Wei, chief engineer of the CSSC project team, said in an interview that the successful delivery of the “HMM Navigator” is a concrete practice of CSSC’s commitment to technological innovation and green development. “We will continue to deepen technological research, promote the upgrading of shipbuilding technology, and contribute more Chinese wisdom to the global shipping industry’s transformation,” he added. The delivery of this vessel further enhances China’s influence in the global high-end shipbuilding market.