Zodiac Maritime recently placed an additional order for two 7,000-CEU LNG dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) at the Yantai CIMC Raffles shipyard, with the new vessels scheduled for delivery in 2028. This order marks a continuation of their long-term partnership, further solidifying the company's leading position in the global car carrier sector.

As auto exports continue to climb, market demand for specialized car carriers remains robust. Zodiac has become one of the largest shipowners in the industry in terms of newbuilding projects for PCTCs. Previously, the company had already taken delivery of 10 vessels from signed orders at the same shipyard.

Currently, Zodiac’s fleet comprises 22 PCTCs, and its scale is expanding further with a growing order book.

The cooperation between Zodiac and CIMC Raffles dates back several years. The original contract signed by both parties in 2021 covered four firm orders for 7,000-CEU car carriers, with each vessel priced at approximately US$83 million, along with options for up to 12 additional vessels.

It was reported that the two vessels ordered in 2023 were priced at around US$92.5 million each, though price details for the latest batch of orders have not yet been disclosed.

In recent related shipbuilding developments, Zodiac is also actively expanding its layout in alternative fuel vessel types. Earlier this month, the shipowner officially entered the ammonia shipping market through a series of ammonia carrier agreements reached with Hanwha Ocean.