Chinese Carmakers Planned $2.5 Billion Vessel Fleet
Major Chinese automakers and shippers aim to build 21 new car-carrier vessels to expand global export capacity.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Cosco Shipping, BYD, and SAIC Anji have announced plans to invest $2.5 billion in a new fleet of 21 car-carrier vessels. This expansion comes as the industry attempts to address a global transport capacity shortage estimated at 3 million ceu annually.
Why it matters
The massive investment aims to lower per-vehicle transport costs and secure reliable export routes for Chinese automakers. This infrastructure push coincides with recent trade regulations that have capped Chinese hybrid electric vehicle imports in the European Union.
The planned ships feature a capacity of 11,000 ceu each, joining a global sector currently managing an orderbook equivalent to 26.7% of the active fleet. Ningbo Ocean Shipping also secured a $480 million deal for two 7,000 ceu dual-fuel carriers.
The players
Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers
This major Chinese shipping entity is ordering 11 of the planned 21 new car-carrier vessels.
BYD
As a prominent Chinese automaker, the company is planning to build 8 specialized car-carriers for its export operations.
SAIC Anji Logistics
This logistics firm is coordinating a tender for 2 car-carrier vessels to support its automotive transport network.
Ningbo Ocean Shipping
The company recently entered the car-shipping sector and finalized a major charter agreement for LNG-powered vessels.
The details
SAIC Anji has mandated that shipbuilders possess experience with LNG dual-fuel carriers, a requirement for their new tenders. The companies aim to finalize all newbuilding contracts by the end of 2026 to stabilize export logistics.
Timeline
January 1, 2023 - August 31, 2026: Qualifying period for shipbuilder experience requirements.
August 2026: Ningbo Ocean Shipping entered the car-shipping market.
September 23, 2026: SAIC Anji officially issued its tender document.
October 8, 2026: Ningbo Ocean Shipping submitted its stock exchange notice.
Year-end 2026: Targeted deadline for finalizing new vessel construction orders.
Roadmap
This investment signals a strategic shift as automakers move to vertically integrate their own logistics networks to combat shipping shortages. It positions Chinese manufacturers to bypass existing bottlenecks and gain greater control over their global distribution costs.
The expansion of specialized transport capacity aims to reduce the shipping bottlenecks that currently inflate the final delivery costs of imported vehicles. For international car buyers, this fleet growth may eventually translate into more consistent inventory availability and price stability.
The takeaway
Automakers are increasingly taking direct control of maritime logistics to avoid future supply chain disruptions. This strategy ensures they can maintain export volumes even as global port and shipping capacity remains under significant pressure.
Further reading
For broader trends in global manufacturing, visit our Electric Vehicles section.
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