Sallaum Lines has placed its largest-ever vessel order, signing a contract for two firm and two optional 8,600 ceu (car equivalent units) newbuilds, marking a significant expansion of its owned fleet and a step-change in capacity for the car carrier market.
According to Splash247, the order was placed with Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry for Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) designed to operate on LNG, VLSFO and MGO, with an ammonia-ready specification for future fuel conversion. Each vessel will measure nearly 200 m in length, feature five liftable decks, and be designed to carry a mix of passenger vehicles, light commercial units and heavy rolling cargo.
Fleet Expansion Details
| Attribute | Newbuilds (8,600 ceu) | Recent Delivery (7,300 ceu) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 8,600 ceu | 7,300 ceu |
| Fuel | LNG, VLSFO, MGO, ammonia-ready | LNG dual-fuel |
| Builder | Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry | China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) |
| Units | 2 firm + 2 optional | 2 (Ocean Express & Ocean Navigator) |
The order comes shortly after the delivery of two new 7,300 ceu LNG dual-fuel PCTCs, Ocean Express and Ocean Navigator, delivered by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu). These vessels further expanded Sallaum Lines’ owned fleet and marked another step in its dual-fuel transition.
Strategic Deployment and Network Impact
The new 8,600 ceu vessels will be deployed across Sallaum Lines’ core automotive logistics network, covering Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East. Splash247 reported that the additional capacity is expected to support the company’s growing exposure to both established OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) flows and increasing export volumes out of Asia.
This follows a recent headquarters shift to Cyprus, a move aimed at streamlining commercial and operational structure as the company scales its global finished vehicle logistics network.
Implications for Shippers and Operators
For shippers in the automotive sector, this order signals sustained investment in roll-on/roll-off capacity, which could help alleviate tight vessel supply on key lanes, particularly from Asia to Europe and the Americas. The addition of LNG-capable, ammonia-ready tonnage also offers potential for lower-emission transport options as regulatory pressure mounts.
Operators should note that no delivery timeline has been disclosed for the Xiamen-built vessels, so near-term capacity relief is uncertain. However, the ongoing fleet renewal programme — including incremental investment in LNG-capable tonnage, onboard efficiency upgrades, hull performance technologies and emissions-reduction measures — suggests steady fleet modernisation.
Watch List
- Delivery schedule of the Xiamen newbuilds (not yet disclosed)
- Further orders by Sallaum Lines or competitors as car carrier demand evolves
- Ammonia bunkering infrastructure developments for future fuel conversion
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