SHANGHAI -- Anji Ansheng, China's domestically built ocean-going car carrier and the world's largest such carrier in terms of capacity, set sail on its maiden voyage to Europe on Thursday evening, carrying approximately 7,000 China-made vehicles.

The departure from Shanghai marks a milestone achievement, surpassing a record set just weeks earlier by BYD Shenzhen, which is a domestically built car carrier from the major Chinese automaker BYD. That vessel had previously held the title of the world's largest car carrier in operation.

"The fact that this record has been broken again in less than a month reflects the rapid rise of China's mid-to-high-end manufacturing sector, and the resilience and vitality of the country's foreign trade despite complex global conditions," said Gao Yuning, deputy director of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University.

Anji Ansheng measures 228 meters in length and 37.8 meters in width, with a maximum capacity of carrying 9,500 standard vehicles, said Zhuang Jingxiong, general manager of SAIC Anji Logistics Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited.

The vessel integrates advanced energy-saving technologies and intelligent low-carbon systems, achieving world-class energy efficiency. It is also incorporated with a methanol-refueling design, laying the foundation for achieving carbon neutrality in the future.

"China's large-scale construction and delivery of vehicle carriers are propelling the country's ocean-going auto transport capacity to new heights," said Zheng Hehui, deputy general manager of China Merchants Industry Holdings, a subsidiary of the China Merchants Group.

According to SAIC, the company had delivered over 5.5 million vehicles to international markets by the end of 2024, placing it among China's top car exporters. SAIC's annual overseas sales have surpassed 1 million units for three consecutive years.

China's automobile exports exceeded 6.4 million units in 2024, maintaining the top global position for a second consecutive year, according to the General Administration of Customs of China.

Data from January to April 2025 shows that the country exported more than 1.93 million vehicles during the period, a year-on-year increase of 6 percent.

Take the Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal -- from where Anji Ansheng set sail -- as an example. Despite global trade uncertainties in the first four months this year, the port exported 740,000 vehicles during the period, a year-on-year increase of 25.1 percent.

"This momentum reflects not only the rising competitiveness of Chinese brands but also the strong capabilities of China's auto industry," Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association, said.

China's growing competitiveness was also evident at the recent 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, which attracted more than 12,000 overseas dealers.

"China is doing a great job in terms of technology, and the cars are very reliable. People have confidence in Chinese cars. I think they see Chinese cars as offering a good balance between price and quality," said Agustin Garcia, CEO of Spain's Sarmovil Auto Group.

SAIC's Anji Logistics now operates one of the world's leading vehicle shipping fleets. By 2026, its ocean-going fleet will grow to 22 vessels, with routes covering Western Europe, Mexico, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other key export destinations for Chinese automakers.

"For automakers, owning a fleet ensures stable export operations, reduces transportation costs, and guarantees timely delivery of products to overseas customers," said Xie Xiaowen, an expert from the China Communications and Transportation Association.