China's largest photovoltaic energy and LNG dual-fuel car carrier, Yuan Hai Kou, embarked on its maiden voyage from Nansha Port in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, on Thursday.
Fully loaded with 4,000 China-made cars, more than 90 percent of which are new-energy vehicles, the ship will sail to Mediterranean countries including Greece, Spain, Tunisia, and Türkiye.
Measuring 199.9 meters in length and with a gross tonnage of 68,252 tons, the Yuan Hai Kou, built by Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) for COSCO Shipping Car Carriers Co Ltd, boasts a loading capacity of 7,000 standard car spaces and can transport all vehicle types.
Compared with traditional single-fuel car carriers, it can save about 20 percent in energy consumption annually.
In addition to its impressive capacity and energy efficiency, the ship is equipped with an advanced intelligent monitoring system that allows for dynamic tracking of both the vessel and its cargo. This enables the crew and cargo owners to remotely monitor the status of their goods.
"Equipped with more than 200 cameras, along with infrared thermal imaging and digital twin technology, the ship provides complete visibility into the car transportation process. The system allows for seamless monitoring with a single screen and a unified network," said Yang Guangkai, the port captain.
To improve the quality of life of the crew on board, the vessel is outfitted with an automated vegetable-growing cabinet that regulates temperature, humidity, lighting, and hydroponic nutrients for the plants, ensuring the crew can enjoy fresh produce throughout the long voyage.
With the delivery of the Yuan Hai Kou, the COSCO Shipping car carrier fleet has expanded to 20 vessels, with routes covering countries and regions in the Persian Gulf, Europe, East Africa and South Africa, South America, and the Mediterranean, ensuring the smooth operation of China's automotive supply chain.
By 2026, the fleet is expected to grow to 30 vessels, further boosting China's car exports and enhancing its global shipping capacity.
China’s largest PV energy, LNG dual-fuel car carrier embarks on maiden voyage
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
