Sallaum Lines has achieved a major milestone in its fleet expansion by taking simultaneous delivery of two ultra-modern, 7,400 CEU LNG dual-fuel PCTCs, the MV Ocean Express and MV Ocean Navigator. Built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, the eco-efficient sister ships will immediately enter service under the Cyprus flag to inject critical, flexible capacity into the high-demand global car carrier market. This double delivery strengthens Sallaum’s dual-fuel “Ocean Class” fleet, paving the way for the launch of a dedicated China-Europe RoRo service in 2027 while ensuring strict compliance with tightening international maritime emission rules.
Nanjing, China | June 6, 2026 – In the single most significant day of its ongoing fleet renewal campaign, international Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) specialist Sallaum Lines has simultaneously taken delivery of two ultra-modern, liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs).
The sister ships, MV Ocean Express and MV Ocean Navigator, were officially handed over during a joint ceremony at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd. in Nanjing. Both vessels will fly the Cyprus flag, reinforcing Sallaum’s strategic operational footprint within European maritime frameworks.
The historic double delivery marks the rapid scaling of Sallaum Lines’ next-generation “Ocean Class” program. It provides immediate, highly flexible capacity to ease severe tonnage shortages across the heavily congested Far East-to-Europe trade corridor.
Plugging the Mid-Market Capacity Gap
The addition of these two new 7,400 CEU vessels addresses a prolonged capacity crunch that has limited Sallaum’s ability to satisfy soaring automotive manufacturer demands.
Driven by the massive surge in Chinese electric vehicle (EV) and commercial truck exports to Western markets, demand on the Far East-to-Europe corridor has routinely outstripped available global RoRo slots. Sallaum Lines has already executed eight major sailings from the Far East to Europe in 2026. The deployment of these two new assets acts as the operational springboard for a major commercial expansion: the launch of a dedicated, fully scheduled China-Europe service set for 2027.
“The delivery of these vessels 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,” stated Sami Sallaum, Chairman of Sallaum Lines.
Technical Architecture: The 7,400 CEU Ocean Class Standard
The MV Ocean Express and MV Ocean Navigator are designed from the keel up to meet the dual challenges of high-stowage automotive logistics and tightening international carbon rules.
Vessel Dimensions & Fleet Integration
| Metric / Feature | Specification |
| Shipyard of Build | China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd. |
| Flag Registration | Cyprus 🇨🇾 |
| Cargo Capacity | 7,400 Car Equivalent Units (CEU) |
| Internal Configuration | 13 Cargo Decks (including multi-tier adjustable decks) |
| Maximum Clearance Height | 5.4 meters (for heavy rolling machinery & project cargo) |
| Maximum Clearance Width | 13.5 meters (optimized for oversized commercial trucks) |
| Propulsion System | High-pressure LNG dual-fuel main & auxiliary engines |
By matching these specifications, the new builds join an elite tier of eco-efficient PCTCs within Sallaum’s active commercial pool. They sit alongside recent program additions, including the MV Ocean Breeze, MV Ocean Explorer, and MV Ocean Legacy, cementing a standardized, highly predictable operating profile for international auto manufacturers.
“Welcoming two additional vessels into our fleet on the same day is a milestone we are immensely proud of,” said Ibrahim Sallaum, Founder of Sallaum Lines. “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.”
Dual-Fuel LNG and Regulatory Compliance
From a bunkering and fuel technology perspective, the dual deliveries highlight Sallaum’s pragmatic approach to the maritime energy transition. The vessels are designed to run primarily on LNG, utilizing built-in, high-capacity Type C LNG storage tanks engineered to support the extended steaming ranges required for non-stop, deep-sea long-haul voyages.
The propulsion layout relies on a dual-fuel configuration that delivers immediate, measurable compliance advantages over conventional heavy fuel oil (HFO) systems:
- Emissions Profile: Operating on LNG effectively eliminates sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), slashes nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80% through advanced exhaust gas recirculation, and cuts overall carbon dioxide (CO2) output by 20% to 25%.
- Regulatory Future-Proofing: The technical design surpasses current International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III limits and Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 requirements. This insulates Sallaum from heavy cost penalties under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and upcoming FuelEU Maritime rules.
- Onboard Efficiency Systems: The vessels utilize optimized hull forms treated with low-friction antifouling coatings, high-efficiency twisted rudders, and advanced automation setups designed to eliminate methane slip and lower overall fuel consumption.
Both ships have completed final sea trials, cleared delivery protocols in Nanjing, and are entering active commercial service immediately.
About Sallaum Lines
Sallaum Lines is a premier global Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ocean carrier specializing in the international transportation of passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, heavy construction equipment, and high-value project cargo. Following a strategic restructuring, the company relocated its corporate headquarters to Limassol, Cyprus, aligning its commercial fleet under the Cyprus flag registry.
Operating across an expansive network that links major vehicle manufacturing and consumption hubs across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, Sallaum Lines manages over 3,500 annual port calls. The company’s “Ocean Class” newbuilding program forms the core of its corporate roadmap to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2050 through alternative marine fuels and eco-efficient vessel engineering
Source: Sallaum Lines