China CSSC Holdings has secured a shipbuilding contract worth more than $1 billion for the construction of 10 LNG dual-fuel pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs).

The contract was signed on September 1 by the company's subsidiary Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), together with China Shipbuilding Trading, with an unnamed international shipowner, the company said in a stock filing.

Each of the vessels will have capacity for 8,200 vehicles, with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2031.

CSSC said the order will further strengthen GSI's capabilities in the design, construction and quality management of large car carriers, while supporting its position in the automotive shipping market.

The choice of LNG dual-fuel propulsion reflects a broader industry shift toward lower-emission newbuilds, driven by tightening international regulations on shipping emissions, including the International Maritime Organization's greenhouse gas reduction strategy. Car carriers in particular have faced pressure to adopt cleaner fuels as automakers seek to decarbonize their logistics supply chains.

The order also adds to a run of large PCTC contracts at Chinese shipyards in recent years, as strong global vehicle trade and the replacement of older, less efficient tonnage have boosted demand for modern car carriers.

The company expects the order to contribute positively to future revenue and profit, although it noted that the long execution period means the contract will not have a significant impact on current-year profit.

Source: Ship & Bunker