JP Morgan-backed NOCC expands LNG dual-fuel car carrier programme in China

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Norwegian Car Carriers (NOCC) has strengthened its newbuilding pipeline with an additional order for a large pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) at China’s CIMC Raffles, further reinforcing its long-term fleet renewal strategy.

The Oslo-based owner has contracted a fourth 7,000-ceu LNG dual-fuel vessel at the Yantai-headquartered shipyard, adding to three similar ships already on order. The latest contract was finalised toward the end of 2025, according to chief executive Olav Sollie, who confirmed the development via LinkedIn.

The newbuilding will be designed for dual-fuel operations, allowing it to run on liquefied natural gas while retaining conventional fuel capability. The design aligns with NOCC’s focus on reducing emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and complying with increasingly stringent international environmental regulations affecting the global car carrier sector.

CIMC Raffles has already begun delivering tonnage under the programme. In mid-November, the yard handed over NOCC Pacific, the first PCTC it has built for NOCC. The 7,000-ceu LNG dual-fuel vessel was named during a ceremony held at the yard’s Longkou facility.

With the latest order, NOCC’s fleet expansion plan gathers further momentum. The company currently operates four vessels, while three additional ships—including the newly contracted unit—are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027.

NOCC is owned by a company advised by JP Morgan. The car carrier specialist was taken private in 2014 through a joint venture between Klaveness Marine and JP Morgan, before the US financial group assumed full ownership in 2023.

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