Norwegian Car Carriers Expands Fleet with New LNG Ship
Norwegian Car Carriers (NOCC) has taken a significant step in enhancing its fleet by ordering a fourth dual-fuel car carrier from CIMC Raffles in China. This new vessel, with a capacity of 7,000 car equivalent units (ceu), will be capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The announcement was made by CEO Olav Sollie via a LinkedIn post, highlighting the completion of the contract just before the end of the fiscal year.
Strategic Fleet Modernization
This latest addition to NOCC’s fleet underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and modernization. The Oslo-based company has already placed orders for three similar vessels at the Yantai-based CIMC Raffles, illustrating its strategy to upgrade its operations with environmentally friendly technology. These new ships are part of NOCC’s broader initiative to comply with stringent emissions regulations while enhancing operational efficiency.
The recently delivered vessel, named NOCC Pacific, marked a milestone as the first pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) constructed by CIMC Raffles for NOCC. It was officially launched in mid-November at the yard’s Longkou facility, showcasing the shipyard’s capabilities in building advanced dual-fuel vessels. With this ongoing collaboration, NOCC aims to position itself as a leader in the car carrier sector, meeting the growing demand for cleaner transportation options.
Currently, NOCC operates four vessels, with three more expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2027, including the newly ordered ship. The company has undergone significant changes since being taken private in 2014 through a joint venture between Klaveness Marine and JP Morgan, which later acquired full ownership in 2023. This evolution reflects NOCC’s strategic focus on growth and sustainability in the competitive maritime industry.
