Lianyungang Pilot Station Guides World’s Largest Car Carrier out of Port

From: Lianyungang Daily Updated: 2025-06-27 09:12

Recently, the world’s largest pure car and truck carrier (PCTC)—“Anji Hongsheng”—was safely guided to Berth 68 of Lianyungang Port under the precise navigation of pilots from Lianyungang Pilot Station. After loading domestically produced vehicles and construction machinery, the vessel departed for European countries including the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Measuring 228 meters in length and 37.8 meters in width, the “Anji Hongsheng” boasts 9,500 parking spots—enough to fill 20 standard football fields. It is the sister vessel of the previous record-holder, the “Anji Ansheng”, and currently the world’s largest, most capacity-efficient, and energy-saving PCTC.

The vessel’s massive size poses significant challenges: its departure and turning maneuvers require a vast water area, its maximum height above water exceeds 40 meters, making it susceptible to wind and currents, and navigating through curved and narrow waterways demands high skill and safety measures. Additionally, due to its ultra-wide hull, the vessel can only load vehicles via a right-rear ramp, necessitating strict right-side berthing. This imposes stringent requirements on timing for port entry/exit, tidal conditions, and turning operations.

To ensure safe operations, Lianyungang Pilot Station adopted a proactive approach: conducting “one-vessel-one-policy” customized services, coordinating with maritime authorities and port operators to develop safety plans, and organizing pilotage experts for risk assessments. A detailed pilotage scheme and emergency protocols were formulated, led by technically proficient and experienced pilots. Shore-based support included real-time vessel tracking by maritime authorities and strict enforcement of safety measures.

This year, Lianyungang Pilot Station has advanced “direct entry, direct berthing, direct departure, and direct exit” operations for vessels, guiding 224 ro-ro ships (up 15.5% year-on-year) and supporting coordinated development of domestic automotive “production, transportation, and sales” to boost global competitiveness.