Global Car Carriers (GCC) is continuing to expand its fleet: the MSC subsidiary is having two further LNG dual-fuel car carriers, each with a capacity of 8,600 CEU, built in China. This brings the new-build programme to a total of 22 vessels.
The two additional Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) are being built at Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard and are due to be delivered in 2030. They are listed as “Viking NB 21” and “Viking NB 22” in the Oslo-based shipping company’s official fleet list. The company has not disclosed the contract price.
The order book thus comprises 18 vessels, each with a capacity of 8,600 CEU, and four vessels, each with a capacity of 7,000 CEU. Together, this equates to a total capacity of 182,800 CEU. All the newbuilds will be fitted with LNG dual-fuel propulsion systems and are due to be delivered by Chinese shipyards between 2028 and 2030. In addition to Changhong, China Merchants Yizheng, China Merchants Weihai, Guangzhou Shipyard International and Mawei are involved.
Just a few weeks earlier, GCC had expanded its programme by eight car carriers to a total of 20 vessels. According to Splash, the total value of these orders amounted to more than $2 billion. As recently as July, the newbuild programme comprised twelve vessels. Changhong is now joining as a further construction partner; MSC, the parent company, has already ordered numerous LNG dual-fuel container ships from Changhong, including vessels with a capacity of 21,700 TEU.
According to the company profile, the existing GCC fleet comprises 21 car carriers with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 CEU. The newbuilds in the larger class will thus surpass the shipping company’s largest vessels to date. GCC makes its tonnage available to international and regional car carriers.
MSC had acquired the then Gram Car Carriers in 2024 through its subsidiary SAS Shipping Agencies Services for around $700 million and subsequently delisted it from the stock exchange. In May 2026, the company was renamed Global Car Carriers.
