Norwegian roll‑on/roll‑off specialist Wallenius Wilhelmsen has taken another step to expand and renew its global vehicle‑carrier fleet, placing firm orders for large Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) with options to add more. The move, reported in late October, arrives as Chinese passenger‑car and new‑energy vehicle exports continue to climb — a combination that is changing the shape of vehicle logistics into Europe and matters for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) supply chains.

What was announced

Industry reporting on 28–29 October shows Wallenius Wilhelmsen has agreed to a newbuilding package for large, next‑generation PCTCs — reported as four firm 9,900‑CEU vessels with options for eight more at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard — part of a wider wave of car‑carrier orders this year. Trade press noted the newbuild push would further increase an already substantial PCTC orderbook and that aggregate new orders in 2026 could reach record levels if all options and rival orders materialise.

Why it matters for CEE

Global expansion of car‑carrier capacity matters to Central and Eastern Europe because vehicle imports — direct and via western European hubs — depend on sufficiently frequent, reliable Ro‑Ro sailings. European ports that handle finished vehicles (from short‑sea services and deep‑sea calls) have been coping with longer voyage patterns, higher utilisation and, at times, terminal congestion. Increasing PCTC capacity can ease scheduling pressure, reduce premium short‑term freight rates and lower the incidence of double‑handling that drives costs for distributors and importers. The Port of Gdańsk, among others, is a key gateway for vehicle flows into the region and stands to benefit from steadier ocean lift and fewer schedule gaps.

At the same time, Chinese automakers are exporting at scale: international industry trackers and compiled reporting show China’s new‑energy vehicle exports rose sharply in 2026, with the IEA and sector monitors citing roughly 4 million NEV exports in the first nine months of 2026 and strong month‑on‑month export growth in September — a trend that helps explain why carriers are accelerating orders for larger Ro‑Ro tonnage. Greater shipping capacity reduces one logistical obstacle facing Chinese brands seeking market share in Europe — including CEE markets — and affects the distribution strategies of incumbent European and regional dealers.