MSC Expands Global Car Carriers with Major Orderbook Boost

MSC's Global Car Carriers has significantly expanded its newbuilding programme, bringing its orderbook to a total of 20 ships worth over $2bn, according to Splash 247.

Orderbook Expansion

Global Car Carriers, controlled by MSC, has booked eight additional large LNG dual-fuel car carriers in China, increasing its programme to 20 vessels. The company has secured contracts for four 8,600 CEU Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) at China Merchants’ Weihai yard, two at Guangzhou Shipyard International, and another two at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding. These orders are part of a larger strategy that has seen the company's orderbook grow rapidly since 2024.

Previous Orders and Delivery Schedule

Earlier this year, the company's disclosed programme stood at 12 vessels: eight 8,600 CEU ships and four 7,000 CEU units. These vessels were spread between Jinling, Weihai, and GSI. With the latest additions, the company now has 16 ships of 8,600 CEU and four of 7,000 CEU, all equipped with LNG dual-fuel propulsion. Deliveries across the wider programme are scheduled to stretch from 2028 through 2030.

Market Context and Strategic Shifts

The expansion of Global Car Carriers' orderbook comes in the wake of a strategic shift in the car carrier market. Since MSC took control of the company in 2024, the investment in newbuilds has accelerated significantly. This strategic move has positioned Global Car Carriers as one of the world’s largest independent PCTC tonnage providers under the MSC umbrella.

Additionally, the market context for car carrier contracting has been robust, with booming Chinese vehicle exports effectively clearing the short-term PCTC market. As of summer 2026, around 1 million cars were being exported in containers due to insufficient dedicated RoRo capacity, according to Splash 247.

Competitive Landscape

Other companies in the market are also expanding their capacity. For instance, SAIC Anji Logistics, the logistics arm of state-owned automaker SAIC Motor, is preparing to launch an international tender for two 11,000 CEU LNG dual-fuel newbuilds, with bids due by October 15. The first ship is set to be delivered before September 2029, and the second will follow no more than three months later. This tender marks the first investment by a Chinese company in PCTCs above 10,000 CEU, setting a new benchmark for capacity in the sector.

What this Means for Operators

The significant expansion of Global Car Carriers' orderbook, coupled with similar moves by other major players like SAIC Anji Logistics, signals a growing commitment to LNG dual-fuel propulsion in the car carrier market. This strategic shift not only reflects the environmental mandates driving the industry but also the increasing demand for dedicated RoRo capacity in the face of booming vehicle exports, particularly from China. Operators must now consider the implications of this expanded capacity, including potential shifts in market dynamics and competitive pressures, as well as the ongoing investment in more efficient and environmentally friendly vessel designs.

As the market continues to evolve, operators will need to adapt their strategies to navigate the changing landscape, ensuring they remain competitive in a market where capacity is expanding rapidly and environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent.