Dual-Fuel Car Carrier Expands Automotive Logistics Capacity
Suardiaz Group has expanded its automotive logistics platform with the departure of RS Atlantico from China. The vessel is the first of a new generation of dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) joining the company’s fleet.
With space for approximately 5,500 cars, the 190-metre ship is designed to move passenger vehicles, machinery and High & Heavy cargo. At around 55,000 GT, it is the largest vessel ever operated by Suardiaz and will increase capacity on established automotive routes.
Marine technology aimed at supply-chain resilience
RS Atlantico uses engines capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as well as conventional fuel. Suardiaz describes the configuration as a transitional technology supporting the decarbonisation of shipping while environmental requirements continue to develop. The company says the vessel makes it the first Spanish shipowner with an LNG-powered car carrier.
For automotive manufacturers and industrial shippers, the additional tonnage is more than a fleet update. Vehicle logistics depends on predictable vessel availability, sufficient deck capacity and coordinated links between ports, road operators and rail services. A larger PCTC can therefore give established customers more room to plan exports and manage fluctuations in production volumes.
Part of a wider multimodal investment
The new ship is one element of a six-year investment programme worth more than €360 million. The plan covers fleet renewal, international expansion, logistics infrastructure and specialist capabilities for industrial and energy customers. It also supports multimodal services combining maritime, road and rail transport with forwarding, industrial logistics and port operations.
RS Atlantico is expected to arrive in the final quarter of 2026. A second vessel is scheduled to join the fleet in mid-2027, extending the programme’s effect on capacity and route coverage. Suardiaz Group’s broader strategy is outlined on the company website.
