Changan Ships First EVs from Thailand to Norway, Expanding Global Supply Network

Changan’s First Thailand-to-Europe Shipment

BANGKOK — December 26, 2025 — Chinese shipping giant COSCO SHIPPING Specialised Carriers has officially launched vehicle export services from Thailand to Europe, carrying the first batch of electric vehicles produced by Changan Automobile.

The shipment departed Laem Chabang Port on December 26, marking Changan’s first export from its Thai factory to the European market — a new phase in China’s automotive globalization. According to WorldCargo News, about 500 electric vehicles were loaded onto the vessel Yong Le Kou, a dual-fuel LNG car carrier operated by COSCO.

This route marks a strategic step in connecting Southeast Asian manufacturing bases directly with European EV markets.

New Route Strengthens Southeast Asia–Europe Connection

The Yong Le Kou left Shanghai on December 20, called at Laem Chabang (Thailand) on December 26, and is scheduled to arrive in Bristol, UK, on January 25, 2026, before continuing to Zeebrugge (Belgium), Drammen (Norway), and Bremerhaven (Germany).

The route underlines Norway’s role as a key Nordic entry port for electric vehicle imports and reflects the growing significance of Southeast Asia in China’s global automotive supply chain.

Made in Thailand, Sold Worldwide

COSCO described the Thailand–Europe service as part of a broader transition among Chinese automakers from “exporting finished vehicles from China” to “producing globally and distributing regionally.”

The new route integrates Changan’s manufacturing in Thailand into COSCO’s expanding European export network. It also supports China’s “Made in Thailand, Sold Worldwide” strategy, facilitated by regional trade frameworks such as the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and China’s Belt and Road logistics corridors.

Key Details of the Shipment

• Vessel name: Yong Le Kou
• Ship type: Dual-fuel LNG Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC)
• Capacity: 8,600 vehicles
• Departure ports: Shanghai → Laem Chabang → Bristol → Zeebrugge → Drammen → Bremerhaven
• Shipment size: ~500 EVs from Changan’s Thai factory

COSCO’s Expanding EV Logistics Fleet

The Yong Le Kou is part of COSCO’s growing fleet of next-generation car carriers designed for EV transport. The group currently operates several LNG-powered vessels and plans to expand its fleet to around 30 ships by mid-2026.

COSCO has also been running regular car export services from Thailand to the Persian Gulf and Southeast Africa since 2023, reinforcing Thailand’s status as a regional export hub for Chinese automakers.

Global Implications

This development illustrates how Chinese automotive firms are shifting production closer to overseas consumers while leveraging advanced shipping logistics to reach distant markets more efficiently.

Analysts suggest this move could reduce export costs, shorten delivery times, and help mitigate trade policy risks amid changing global supply chain dynamics.