COSCO’s ship loading EV in Thailand’s Laemchabang deep sea harbour bound for Europe. Photo: Automotivelogistics
Chinese shipping group COSCO SHIPPING Specialised Carriers has added Thailand to its European export network for Chinese car brands, linking manufacturing in Southeast Asia directly with markets in Europe and Norway.
According to WorldCargo News, the car carrier Yong Le Kou loaded 500 electric vehicles from Chinese automaker Changan Automobile at Laem Chabang Port on 26 December 2025. The shipment marked the first export from Changan’s factory in Thailand to Europe.
COSCO said the move reflects a broader shift among Chinese manufacturers from exporting finished products from China to producing vehicles overseas for global distribution. The company is providing end-to-end logistics from factory gate in Thailand to final destination in Europe.
The Yong Le Kou departed Shanghai on 20 December, called at Laem Chabang on 26 December, and is scheduled to arrive in Bristol on 25 January 2026. It will then continue to Zeebrugge Port, Drammen Port, and Bremerhaven, highlighting Norway’s role as a key Nordic entry point for vehicle imports.
COSCO said the Thailand–Europe route strengthens Chinese carmakers’ “made in Thailand, sold worldwide” strategy, supported by regional trade frameworks and China’s broader global logistics corridors. The group has already operated vehicle export services from Thailand to the Persian Gulf and Southeast Africa since 2023.
The Yong Le Kou is a dual-fuel LNG pure car and truck carrier with a capacity of 8,600 vehicles and is part of COSCO’s expanding car-carrier fleet, which is expected to reach around 30 vessels by mid-2026, many designed specifically for electric vehicle transport.
Source: WorldCargo News