Polaris adds tonnage from Global Car Carriers

Polaris Polaris Autoliners has acquired two feeder-size car carriers from Global Car Carriers, adding more shortsea capacity to its growing fleet. The company has taken over the 2,000 ceu Viking Oslo and Viking Odessa , which have been renamed Polaris Oslo and Polaris Star . S&P sources put the price for the pair at around $44m in total. Both vessels were in Bermuda last month for the ownership transfer and name change. The 140-m Viking Odessa was built in 2009, while sister vessel Viking Oslo was delivered in 2010. The acquisition lifts Polaris Autoliners’ controlled fleet to 10 vessels, made up of five owned and five chartered-in ships. The company said the ships would strengthen its regional and shortsea operations. Polaris Autoliners is part of Polaris Group, the rebranded platform combining the car carrier business with Polaris Logistics, formerly Salloum Logistics. The group, chaired by Walid Salloum, said earlier this year it handled more than 650,000 vehicles in 2025 and operates across ocean, road, rail and terminal services. Polaris has been building its position in roro and automotive logistics since its launch in London in 2022, offering vehicle, heavy and project cargo and general cargo transport. Last September, the group also announced a strategic expansion into the dry bulk market with the launch of Polaris Bulkers. The two ships were sold by the former Gram Car Carriers, which was taken over by MSC Group in 2024 and now goes under the Global Car Carriers brand. The company describes itself as the world’s third-largest PCTC tonnage provider, with 30 car carriers, including 20 on the water and 10 under construction. Adis Ajdin Adis is an experienced news reporter with a background in finance, media and education. He has written across the spectrum of offshore energy and ocean industries for many years and is a member of International Federation of Journalists. Previously he had written for Navingo media group titles including Offshore Energy, Subsea World News and Marine Energy. Read Next July 7, 2026 Heidmar buys Dutch shipmanager Q-Shipping July 7, 2026 Wind-powered hydrogen ships line up $500m rollout July 7, 2026 DOF bags APAC subsea construction deal July 7, 2026 Offshore wind wake effect sparks legal clash in the UK July 7, 2026 Saipem lands $2bn Indonesia FPSO contract