News / Orders flood in for car-carriers as vehicle demand outstrips capacity

Artists impression of PCTC. Credit Guangzhou Shipyard International

The new year has seen a flood of orders for new car-carrier vessels, some from motor manufacturers opting to order their own ships to try and shift the logjam in automotive supply chains.

One expert explained that the industry was experiencing major congestion, from a shortage of truck drivers and equipment such as low loaders, and not enough vessel capacity to meet increasing demand, boosted by requirements for more electric vehicles.

He said: “One manufacturer, with 250,000 build slots annually, now has ...