JP Morgan’s NOCC doubles China car carrier fleet with 6-ship order

Norwegian Car Carriers (NOCC), the Oslo-based shipping company backed by JP Morgan’s Global Transportation Group, has expanded its fleet construction program in China with an additional order for two 7,100-car-equivalent-unit (ceu) vessels. The new ships will be built at CIMC Raffles’ Yantai facility, with delivery scheduled for 2030.

The latest order, consisting of hulls 641 and 642, brings NOCC’s confirmed contracts with CIMC Raffles to six vessels. However, industry databases suggest the program may be even larger. Two additional ships—hulls 651 and 652—are listed for delivery in 2030 and 2031, though NOCC has not officially announced these units. They may represent optional vessels tied to the existing agreement.

The company’s current fleet list only reflects the four earlier ships in the series, two of which have already entered service. NOCC Pacific and NOCC Adriatic, the first dual-fuel LNG carriers from the initial order, were delivered by CIMC Raffles, with the latter completed in January of this year. The remaining two vessels, NOCC Kattegat and NOCC Skagerak, are expected in 2025, while the fourth ship in the series, hull 612, is set for delivery in June 2027.

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Expansion of the newbuilding program: NOCC

NOCC operates as a tonnage provider, leasing its vessels to global and regional car carrier operators. Its current fleet consists of five ships, including the two most recent deliveries from CIMC Raffles. The company’s expansion aligns with its strategy to strengthen its position in the automotive shipping sector, supported by JP Morgan’s investment since the firm acquired full control from its former partner, Klaveness Marine, in 2023.

The initial four vessels in the series were designed with LNG dual-fuel propulsion and prepared for potential ammonia conversion, reflecting NOCC’s commitment to sustainable shipping solutions. With the latest orders, the company continues to build on its long-term relationship with CIMC Raffles, reinforcing its fleet for future demand.

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