Sallaum Lines orders 8,600 CEU LNG dual-fuel car carrier

Vessel will support vehicle, truck, and project cargo transport worldwide.

Sallaum Lines has signed a shipbuilding contract with China Merchants Shipyard for one 8,600 CEU Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), with an option for one additional vessel.

The LNG dual-fuel and ammonia-ready vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2029.

The order expands Sallaum Lines’ newbuilding programme to nine vessels, with a total order value exceeding $850m.

The programme includes four delivered vessels, two vessels due in 2026, and three vessels scheduled for delivery in 2029.

The contract follows the company’s recent agreement with Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. for two firm 8,600 CEU vessels, with options for two additional ships.

The new vessel will be amongst the largest in Sallaum Lines’ fleet and will carry passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, trucks, heavy equipment and project cargo across routes in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

It will use LNG dual-fuel technology and be designed for future conversion to green ammonia as the alternative fuel develops.

Hasan Sallaum, managing director of Sallaum Lines, said the order supports the company’s fleet renewal programme amidst changing automotive logistics demand.

“The automotive logistics market is changing. Customers need capacity, reliability, flexibility, and a clear environmental direction from their shipping partners,” Sallaum said.

“The new vessel will be LNG dual-fuel and ammonia-ready, giving us a practical solution for today and future readiness for tomorrow,” he said. “This is how we believe modern fleet development should be done: with scale, discipline, and flexibility.”

The company said the order strengthens its fleet capacity ahead of expected market developments and reflects the increasing role of Chinese shipyards in global PCTC construction.