The Great Tianjin is about to leave August 19 Shanghai towards Europe Loaded with 2,500 electric cars from Leapmotor. At first glance, it might seem one more shipment. But this trip marks something deeper: Leapmotor is part of the group of Chinese manufacturers that no longer depend only on traditional international logistics.
It is a trip that takes place within the framework of the Leapmotor International agreement with the Grimaldi shipping company, that since 2022 assures you Fixed capacity for monthly transport of thousands of vehicles from Asia to Europe. That means that you do not need to compete for space in foreign ships: its transport is insured and planned months in advance.
The young manufacturer who wants to become global. Leapmotor is a Chinese manufacturer of electric cars founded in 2015 in Hangzhou. Until recently he had a low profile out of his country, but that has changed. In the first seven months of 2025 has sold more than 270,000 units149 % more than the previous year. And he is not alone: behind is Stellantis, The world’s largest automobile group in the world.
Both companies created Leapmotor International in 2023a joint venture based in Amsterdam in which Stellantis has 51% of control. The objective: distribute Leapmotor’s models outside China, starting with Europe.
The Great Tianjin is not owned by Leapmotor. Grimaldi, one of the largest shipping companies on the continent, has commissioned seven new PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier) to reinforce that route. They are Ro-Rro ships specifically designed to transport vehicles on wheels-from cars to trucks-that enter and leave ramps and are stored in garage covers.
The big tianjin is the first in the series, built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), with Ammonia-Ready notation and capacity around 9,000 cars per trip.
The leading model of this shipment. The leading model of this first shipment is Leapmotor B10, a compact electric SUV built on the new Leap3.5 platform and is available with two battery options: one with up to 361 km of autonomy and another that reaches 434 km. It offers fast charge and 17 advanced driving assistance systems.
Byd marked the path that Leapmotor now follows. In January 2024, he threw his first megabuque, Explorer No.1with capacity for 7,000 vehicles, and premiered by sending thousands of electric to Europe.
Since then, its fleet has grown with new portacoches, including the Shenzhen Bydthe largest in the world in its category, capable of transporting 9,200 cars per trip. The strategy is evident: reduce costs, accelerate deliveries and have total control over exports.
Not only byd and Leapmotor. SAIC, owner of MG, The Anji Ansheng has already thrown outwith capacity for 9,500 vehicles, and the Anji Soundness, which covers routes to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Its objective is to operate with 22 ocean ships by 2026.
Geely, Chery and Nio too They have shown interest in commissioning their own portacoches or in charting exclusive routes, consolidating a trend in which Chinese brands increasingly control their maritime logistics.
For Chinese electric car manufacturers, ensuring their own ships or filled routes is a strategic goal rather than a luxury. With this they seek:
- Reduce transport costs.
- Dodge bottlenecks in very busy ports and routes.
- Cut the delivery times to dealers and clients.
- Guarantee a stable export flow even at times of greater demand.
In a market as competitive as the European, speed and logistics predictability can make the difference between selling and staying out.
Images | Stellantis
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