Sallaum Lines has celebrated the European debut of its first LNG dual-fuel newbuilding, the Ocean Breeze, with a landmark ceremony in the port of Antwerp. The vessel’s launch underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and marks an important step in its broader fleet expansion strategy.

Event highlights

The milestone was marked on 19 September with a celebration at Sallaum Terminal, attended by international guests including government officials, OEM representatives, port executives, and industry partners. Guests toured the Ocean Breeze and the upgraded terminal facilities before joining a ceremony that featured keynote speeches by Ms. Natalie Sallaum and Mr. Johan Klaps, Deputy Mayor for Port and Economy, City of Antwerp. A panel discussion on the future of automotive logistics and an official ribbon-cutting underlined the significance of the occasion for both Sallaum Lines and the wider industry.

A more sustainable supply chain

The Ocean Breeze has capacity for 7,500 CEU and is powered by dual-fuel LNG engines. The vessel delivers substantial reductions in CO₂, NOₓ, and particulate emissions compared to conventional tonnage. An optimized hull design and energy-saving devices further increase efficiency.

“The Ocean Breeze is not just about capacity, but about shaping a cleaner, more resilient supply chain for the decades ahead,” said Chief Relationship Officer Natalie Sallaum of Sallaum Lines. “Our customers demand scale, sustainability, and reliability: the Ocean Breeze proves we can deliver all three. More than a vessel, it represents a new chapter in automotive logistics, preparing us for the next wave of vehicle flows between Asia, Europe, and beyond.”

Antwerp terminal expansion positions Sallaum Lines for growth

To accommodate its growing fleet, Sallaum Terminal Antwerp recently completed a €20 million expansion. Capacity has been increased from 10,000 to 17,000 CEU with a new multi-level Parkhouse and upgraded berth infrastructure, enabling four RoRo vessels to be handled simultaneously. Additional facilities for pre-delivery inspection, breakbulk handling, warehousing, and intermodal connections ensure faster and more reliable services for OEMs.

“The expansion turns Antwerp into the backbone of Sallaum’s European network,” said David Van Ballaert, Managing Director of Sallaum Terminal. “With greater capacity and faster processing, we are giving our partners unmatched efficiency at a time when the automotive supply chain is rapidly evolving.”

Looking ahead

The Ocean Breeze is the first of six LNG dual-fuel PCTCs to join the Sallaum Lines fleet by 2027, adding over 45,000 CEU in capacity and strengthening Sallaum Lines’ position among the top global RoRo carriers. Supported by the expanded Antwerp hub, these vessels are part of Sallaum’s global green logistics network. The company is also preparing to implement shore power connections and solar energy systems at its terminal, reinforcing its 2030 net-zero ambition.