Luxembourg-headquartered Seven Yield has announced the signing of five-year time charter agreements for its two dual-fuel LNG pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), Siem Confucius and Siem Aristotle. The charters are with an unnamed Chinese automotive manufacturer. These vessels are scheduled to begin their new employment in 2027 and 2028, extending their operational contracts for an additional five years.
Built in 2020, the sister vessels were notable as the world's first deep-sea PCTCs to feature LNG dual-fuel propulsion. Each PCTC boasts a carrying capacity of 7,500 car equivalent units (CEU) and measures approximately 200 meters in length.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development signifies continued stability in the specialized automotive shipping sector. The long-term charters for these LNG-powered vessels suggest a sustained commitment to greener shipping solutions by automotive manufacturers. While not directly impacting general container rates, it indicates a predictable capacity for vehicle logistics, potentially influencing slot availability and pricing for RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) services on relevant trade lanes, particularly those serving the Chinese automotive export market. The use of dual-fuel LNG vessels also aligns with increasing shipper demand for lower-emission transport options.