China's shipbuilding industry has delivered the world's first car carrier with a capacity exceeding 10,000 vehicles.

The Glovis Leader, a massive pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) with a record capacity of 10,800 car-equivalent-unit (CEU), was named and handed over on Tuesday at a shipyard in south China's Guangzhou City.

The vessel represents a breakthrough for China's high-end manufacturing and provides a "Chinese solution" for the global shipping industry's green and low-carbon transition. It was built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC)'s Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in partnership with China Shipbuilding Trading Co. for South Korean shipping company HMM, and will be operated by Hyundai Glovis.

A floating parking garage

Designed by CSSC Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute, the Glovis Leader measures 230 meters in length and 40 meters in width. Its 14 deck levels can flexibly accommodate a mix of vehicles, including electric cars, hydrogen-fueled vehicles and heavy-duty trucks.

The vessel's dual-fuel LNG propulsion system meets the IMO's Tier III strictest emission standards. A key feature is an independent 1,450-kilowatt permanent magnet shaft generator developed by a CSSC research institute, which enables power generation while sailing and drastically cuts energy consumption.

Combined with other technologies such as optimized hull lines, waste heat recovery and a high-voltage shore power system, the ship achieves significant energy efficiencies. An intelligent ship management system further enhances operational safety by monitoring navigation, machinery and cargo.

High efficiency

GSI has now accumulated orders for over 40 car carriers. To date, it has delivered 26 vessels – 19 of the 7,000 CEU carriers, six of the 8,600 CEU carriers and this first 10,800 CEU ship – contributing nearly 200,000 vehicle slots to global trade. In 2025, the 11 delivered ships averaged 151 days ahead of schedule, with one vessel delivered a remarkable 229 days early.

This efficiency has fueled a growing order book. GSI currently holds contracts worth 100 billion yuan (about $13.8 billion), with over 95% coming from foreign clients. Its production schedule is filled through 2030.