World's largest car carrier begins maiden voyage to Europe, carrying 4,000 MG cars

The Anji Soundness embarks on its maiden voyage from the Port of Taicang in China. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]

The Anji Soundness, the world's largest car carrier, embarked on its maiden voyage from the Port of Taicang in China on June 16, bound for Europe.

Commissioned by SAIC Anji Logistics, this massive vessel boasts a capacity of 9,500 cars, surpassing the previous record of 9,200. It represents a new benchmark in both size and energy efficiency for global car transport.

The vessel is carrying over 8,000 Chinese-made vehicles to European markets, with more than 4,000 coming from SAIC MG in Shanghai's Jiading district.

This "floating garage" features advanced technology, including multi-layered decks and intelligent systems that enhance loading efficiency by 30 percent and ensure secure transport.

The ship's smart network includes over 1,300 monitoring points for real-time data collection, which can trigger alerts within 0.5 seconds in case of anomalies.

Additionally, its satellite-based navigation system optimizes routes to save 15 percent on fuel, while a future-ready methanol fuel system aims for carbon-neutral voyages.

Ge Siliang, SAIC MG's public relations director, said that "after a 30-day journey, these vehicles will enter the European market". MG is on the verge of reaching an overseas cumulative sales milestone of 3 million units, marking a significant achievement for a Chinese brand.

In 2024, MG achieved a 5 percent sales growth, delivering over 240,000 units globally. Impressively, seven out of every 10 Chinese cars sold in Europe are manufactured by MG.

After its recent expansion, SAIC Anji Logistics' fleet now includes 36 vessels, forming a global network that supports China's automotive export ambitions.

The fleet, which is unprecedented in scale, holds the top position in China and is a global leader. New ships are expected to be delivered by 2026, creating a network that covers eight major routes, including Southeast Asia, Mexico, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with an annual capacity exceeding 600,000 vehicles.

Ge also noted that the fleet has not only helped address shipping capacity challenges but also makes it easier to reach international markets, further promoting the appeal of "Made in China" products worldwide.

The SAIC MG cars ready to reach the European markets. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]

The Anji Soundness is the world's largest car carrier. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]