On May 28, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, in collaboration with China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd (CSTC), held a naming ceremony for the “GLOVIS LIGHTHOUSE,” the first vessel in a series of 10,800 CEU LNG dual-fuel PCTCs being built for Seaspan. This marks the first 10,000CEU-class PCTC constructed by Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding.
Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding stated that the “GLOVIS LIGHTHOUSE” is the first 10,800 CEU dual-fuel PCTC it has built for SEASPAN. Drawing on the proven construction systems of its 8,600 CEU and 9,000 CEU PCTC series, the vessel embodies Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding’s long-standing technical expertise and innovative breakthroughs in the car carrier sector. It set a new record for the fastest delivery of a dual-fuel PCTC following its launch, fully demonstrating Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding’s core competitiveness in lean management and green shipbuilding.
In recent years, as global automotive trade and China’s automotive exports have continued to grow, demand for large PCTCs has been steadily increasing. As a key focus of the global shipping industry’s transition toward green and low-carbon operations, LNG dual-fuel PCTCs are rapidly emerging as a major vessel type in the international high-end shipping market, thanks to their high loading capacity, low-carbon and eco-friendly features, and advanced safety systems.
The naming of the “GLOVIS LIGHTHOUSE” marks not only a significant achievement for Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding as it continues to expand its presence in the PCTC market, but also represents another milestone in China’s high-end shipbuilding industry as it moves toward larger-scale, greener, and smarter development.
As one of the world’s leading high-end PCTC designs, this vessel measures 230 meters in length and 40 meters in beam, featuring 14 vehicle decks—including five hydraulically adjustable decks—with a maximum capacity of 10,800 vehicles. It is capable of efficiently loading a wide range of vehicle types, including passenger cars, SUVs, heavy commercial vehicles, and new energy vehicles, offering exceptional cargo adaptability and operational flexibility.
This vessel combines green propulsion, smart safety features, and high-end manufacturing, fully embodying the current direction of development for high-end international car carriers.
In terms of green propulsion, the vessel is equipped with a domestically produced high-pressure LNG fuel supply system (FGSS) and an Everllence dual-fuel main engine, featuring an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system. It fully complies with the IMO Tier III international emission standards—the world’s strictest—achieving near-zero emissions of sulfur oxides and particulate matter, and reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 70%. Overall carbon emissions are significantly reduced, and the EEDI energy efficiency index exceeds international regulatory limits, with green and environmental performance reaching internationally advanced levels.
In recent years, Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has continued to focus on the high-end PCTC market, establishing a series of PCTC vessels with capacities of 8,600, 9,000, and 10,800 vehicles. The company has gradually built a comprehensive system of capabilities covering design optimization, lean construction, green propulsion, intelligent safety, and mass production.