Polaris Autoliners has added two feeder-size car carriers to its shortsea fleet, acquiring the 2,000 CEU vessels Viking Oslo and Viking Odessa from Global Car Carriers, according to Splash247. The move strengthens Polaris' regional and shortsea operations as the group expands its automotive logistics footprint.
The vessels, renamed Polaris Oslo and Polaris Star, were both built in the late 2000s — Polaris Star (ex-Viking Odessa) in 2009 and Polaris Oslo (ex-Viking Oslo) in 2010. They measure 140 meters in length and have a capacity of 2,000 CEU (car equivalent units) each. S&P sources put the combined purchase price at around $44 million. Ownership transfers and name changes occurred in Bermuda last month.
Fleet Growth and Structure
With the acquisition, Polaris Autoliners' controlled fleet now stands at 10 vessels, comprised of five owned and five chartered-in ships. The company previously operated a smaller fleet, and the addition of two feeder-sized carriers bolsters its ability to serve shortsea routes.
| Vessel | Former Name | New Name | Built | Capacity (CEU) | Length (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viking Oslo | Polaris Oslo | 2010 | 2,000 | 140 |
| 2 | Viking Odessa | Polaris Star | 2009 | 2,000 | 140 |
Company Background
Polaris Autoliners is part of the Polaris Group, a rebranded platform that combines the car carrier business with Polaris Logistics (formerly Salloum Logistics). The group, chaired by Walid Salloum, reported handling more than 650,000 vehicles in 2025 across ocean, road, rail, and terminal services. Polaris Autoliners launched in London in 2022, offering vehicle, heavy-lift, project cargo, and general cargo transport. Last September, the group announced a strategic expansion into the dry bulk market with the launch of Polaris Bulkers.
Seller: Global Car Carriers (formerly Gram Car Carriers)
The two vessels were sold by Global Car Carriers, the new name for Gram Car Carriers after its acquisition by MSC Group in 2024. Global Car Carriers describes itself as the world's third-largest PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier) tonnage provider, with a fleet of 30 car carriers — 20 on the water and 10 under construction. The sale is part of a broader reshuffling of roro capacity as major players adjust their fleets.
Implications for the Automotive Logistics Market
For freight forwarders and logistics managers in the automotive sector, the addition of 4,000 CEU of shortsea capacity is significant. Polaris Group's integrated ocean, road, rail, and terminal capabilities — demonstrated by its 650,000+ vehicles handled in 2025 — offer shippers an end-to-end alternative. The acquisition indicates growing demand for feeder-scale roro tonnage on regional lanes, particularly as deepsea carriers like MSC expand their roro presence through Global Car Carriers. Shippers should watch for further fleet rationalization by large PCTC operators and account for potential changes in shortsea availability.
Watch List
- Continued expansion of Polaris Group's fleet, possibly through additional acquisitions or newbuilds.
- MSC's integration of Gram Car Carriers and any resulting tonnage adjustments under Global Car Carriers.
- Shifts in shortsea roro rates due to increased feeder capacity on key routes.
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