Mon 8 Jun 2026, 04:15 GMT | Updated: Tue 9 Jun 2026, 09:39 GMT | Evangelia Fragouli

Sallaum Lines takes delivery of two LNG-fuelled PCTCs in simultaneous handover ceremony


RoRo carrier receives MV Ocean Express and MV Ocean Navigator from Chinese shipyard.


Naming ceremony of Ocean Express and Ocean Navigator vessels
Sallaum Lines is expanding its LNG-fuelled Ocean Class fleet with the simultaneous delivery of two new PCTCs, as the company eyes a dedicated China-Europe RoRo service in 2027. Pictured: Sami Sallaum, Chairman of Sallaum Lines (6th from left in the front row), and Hassan Sallaum, Director of Sallaum Lines (7th from left in the front row), during the naming and delivery ceremony of Ocean Express and Ocean Navigator, LNG-fuelled pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), held in Nanjing, Jiangsu, on 5 June. Image credit: Sallaum Lines

Sallaum Lines has taken delivery of two pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) in a simultaneous handover ceremony in Nanjing, Jiangsu.

MV Ocean Express and MV Ocean Navigator were built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd. and are registered under the Cyprus flag. Both PCTCs are powered by LNG dual-fuel propulsion systems and have LNG fuel storage capacity built to the Ocean Class standard, supporting extended range on long-haul voyages.

The dual delivery marks the largest single-day addition to Sallaum Lines’ Ocean Class fleet since the programme began.

Each vessel has a capacity of 7,400 CEU across 13 cargo decks. The pair offer maximum vehicle height and width clearances of 5.4 metres and 13.5 metres, respectively, allowing them to carry passenger cars, heavy commercial trucks, high-clearance SUVs, rolling machinery and oversized project cargo.

Sallaum Lines stated that the vessels incorporate energy-efficient technologies that exceed current International Maritime Organization regulatory requirements.

The founder of Sallaum Lines said: “Welcoming two additional vessels into our fleet on the same day is a milestone we are immensely proud of. The Ocean Class vessels reflect the resilience, vision, and values that have guided Sallaum Lines since its inception. They are a testament to our belief in building a company that is prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the future.”

Chairman Sami Sallaum highlighted demand on the China-Europe trade corridor as a driver behind the fleet expansion. He commented: “Beyond expanding our fleet capacity, these vessels strengthen our ability to support evolving global trade patterns. Over the past several years, demand for our services has frequently exceeded the capacity available to us, limiting our ability to provide customers with the level of service, flexibility, and consistency they expect from Sallaum Lines. The delivery of MV Ocean Express and MV Ocean Navigator is a major step toward addressing that challenge and delivering on the commitments we have made to our clients.”

Sallaum Lines noted that it has supported Chinese exports with eight sailings from the Far East to Europe so far in 2026, reflecting growing demand for RoRo capacity on the corridor. The carrier is planning to launch a dedicated China-Europe service in 2027.

“The delivery of these vessels also reinforces our confidence in the long-term potential of the China-Europe trade corridor and our commitment to investing in the services and infrastructure required to support our customers as global trade continues to evolve,” added Mr Sallaum.

The newbuilds join MV Ocean Breeze, MV Ocean Explorer and MV Ocean Legacy in the Ocean Class fleet. The class has optimised hull forms, advanced automation systems and adaptable cargo configurations.

MV Ocean Express and MV Ocean Navigator are due to enter commercial service immediately after delivery, supporting the RoRo carrier’s network for automotive, commercial vehicle, heavy equipment and project cargo customers.

Sallaum Lines specialises in RoRo transport for automobiles, trucks, heavy equipment and project cargo, with operations covering Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.



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