Ray Car Carriers is finalising an order for a series of 8,600-ceu pure car/truck carriers at Guangzhou Shipyard International, a deal worth more than $1bn, marking a departure from the Israeli-owned company's long-standing practice of building newbuildings in South Korea. The move to a Chinese yard represents a shift in strategy for Ray Car Carriers, which has traditionally relied on South Korean shipbuilders for its tonnage. Details of the exact number of vessels, delivery schedule and charterers have not been disclosed. Ray Car Carriers operates as a tonnage provider in the car carrier segment, with a fleet of around 66 ships currently on the water. The order comes amid continued strong demand in the car carrier market, which has driven owners to expand capacity through newbuilding programmes across Asian shipyards. The planned deal underscores the growing competitiveness of Chinese shipbuilders in the pure car/truck carrier segment, a sector that has historically been dominated by South Korean yards. Further details of the contract, including pricing per vessel and delivery timelines, are expected to emerge as the order is finalised.