China has launched the world’s largest car carrier ship, the “Anji Ansheng,” marking a new milestone in the country’s maritime engineering and global automotive trade capabilities. The vessel departed from Shanghai this week on its maiden voyage to Europe, carrying thousands of domestically manufactured vehicles.
Designed and built entirely in China, the “Anji Ansheng” has a maximum capacity of 9,500 vehicles, making it the largest roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) automobile transport ship ever constructed. The ship measures over 200 meters in length and is equipped with advanced fuel-efficient propulsion systems to meet international environmental standards.
State-owned SAIC Motor, China’s leading automaker, commissioned the vessel as part of a broader strategy to expand its global shipping network and reduce reliance on foreign logistics providers. The company has seen rapid growth in vehicle exports in recent years, with Europe emerging as a key destination market.
The launch of “Anji Ansheng” comes amid record-breaking demand for Chinese-made electric and conventional vehicles overseas. It also underscores China’s ambition to become a dominant force not only in car manufacturing but also in the infrastructure that supports global trade.
Officials in Shanghai called the vessel a “strategic asset” for China’s export economy, capable of boosting the country’s competitiveness in global logistics. The ship is expected to operate regular transcontinental routes between Chinese ports and Europe, improving delivery times and reducing freight costs for domestic manufacturers.
Industry analysts say China’s move to internalize its vehicle shipping capacity reflects a long-term investment in supply chain sovereignty and a shift toward high-value export logistics driven by advanced engineering.
