Two new ships are expanding the capacity of Sallaum Lines. The car carriers “Ocean Express” and “Ocean Navigator” each have 7,400 CEU and were built in China.
The loading capacity of the two “Pure Car and Truck Carriers” (PCTC) is spread over a total of 13 decks. With a maximum clearance height of 5.4 m and a width of 13.5 m, the ships are designed for a wide range of cargo, including cars, heavy trucks, SUVs with a large overall height, rolling equipment and oversized project cargo. The capacity of the LNG tanks corresponds to the “Ocean Class” standard and should enable a greater range and an improved environmental footprint on long-distance journeys, the shipping company announced. The two newbuildings will sail under the flag of Cyprus, where the company’s headquarters have also been located since this year. The shipyard is China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu).
The two ships were delivered to Sallaum Lines on the same day. This is the “most important milestone to date” of the Ocean Class program and underlines the company’s investment in modern tonnage, cargo flexibility and lower emission operations across its global network.
“Adding two additional vessels to our fleet in one day is a milestone we are very proud of,” said Ibrahim Sallaum, founder of the shipping company. The ‘Ocean Class’ vessels reflect the resilience, vision and values that have guided Sallaum Lines since its inception. They are a testament to our commitment to building a company that is ready for the opportunities and challenges of the future,” said Ibrahim Sallaum, founder of Sallaum Lines.
The newbuildings are equipped with dual-fuel propulsion systems, with LNG as the primary fuel. The ro-ro shipping company announced that they will not only meet but even exceed the current regulatory requirements of the IMO thanks to energy-efficient technologies. On the one hand, they should offer “a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants”, while at the same time being able to guarantee the necessary flexibility in fuel selection and operational safety. “The delivery also underlines the strategic importance of China for Sallaum Lines’ global network – both as an important export market and as a long-term partner in shipbuilding,” the shipping company announced.
Rising demand for China exports
The newbuildings are joining the fleet at a strategically important time. In recent years, the demand for the shipping company’s services has often exceeded the available capacity. Demand for ro-ro shipping has increased significantly, particularly on the routes from the Far East to Europe; in 2026, Sallaum Lines has so far taken on eight journeys in this area for Chinese exports. The company is also responding to this structurally: “Building on this momentum, we are planning to launch our own service between China and Europe in 2027,” Sallaum Lines announced. “These vessels will provide the necessary capacity, flexibility and operational efficiency to support our customers’ growth while advancing our long-term sustainability goals.”
“The delivery of these vessels also reinforces our confidence in the long-term potential of the China-Europe trade route and our commitment to invest in the necessary services and infrastructure to support our customers in the changing face of global trade,” added Sami Sallaum, Chairman of Sallaum Lines.
