Car carrier terminals are crucial components of the global automotive supply chain, ensuring a seamless journey for millions of vehicles from production centres to showrooms. The vehicles are arranged in sprawling, multi-level storage yards. These terminals also offer services such as pre-delivery inspections, minor repairs, cleaning and installation of accessories. The world’s highest-capacity car carrier terminals have a dedicated team of drivers, technicians, and logistics experts. Let’s have a look at some of the highest-capacity car carrier terminals worldwide. 1. Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal, China This facility in the Waigaoqiao Port Area of Shanghai is considered China’s biggest and most significant vehicle RORO terminal. In 2024, the port handled 3.63 million vehicles, with Haitong Terminal alone exporting more than 1.29 million vehicles. The terminal’s location at the mouth of the river Yangtze allows it to export several cars of domestic manufacturers, especially those in provinces along the Yangtze River, who use a river-sea combined transport route to move cars from factories to the terminal via the river for international export. Image for representation purpose only The terminal connects over 200 ports in more than 100 countries. Almost two to three vessels depart from the facility every day. It is a crucial partner for major Chinese automakers such as SAIC Motor, which has a significant presence at the Haitong Terminal and depends on its own fleet and logistics. The terminal’s automated and efficient operations have helped in increasing China’s auto exports, especially electric vehicles, over the years. 2. AutoTerminal at Port of Bremerhaven, Germany The port’s AutoTerminal can process over 1.3 million cars annually. It can accommodate 70,000 to 120,000 vehicles and has multi-storey parking. It is operated by specialised logistics providers, like BLG Logistics, which offer complete automotive logistics management solutions. The terminal has 9 berths to handle 9 car carriers. It also has 16 rail ramps for hinterland transport. Image for representation purpose only It also boasts Europe’s largest automotive workshop, providing services like repairs, underbody coating, vehicle finishing and installation of equipment. As one of the largest automotive hubs in Europe, the port is a strategic location for maritime trade. It offers excellent transport connections to the interior via roads and railways. 3. Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium This port has a colossal capacity, which it has inherited from the former Port of Zeebrugge, and is a vital link in the global automotive supply chain. The port’s annual handling capacity for finished vehicles is over 3.56 million new cars. This is largely due to its specialised terminals like the ones operated by International Car Operators (ICO) and Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW). ICO reported handling around 2.5 million vehicles annually across its terminals in the complex. The port has dedicated 974 hectares or 10 square kilometres to handling vehicles and storing them. This enables the port to keep about 365,200 vehicles, using expansive open lots and multi-level parking garages. 4. Colonel’s Island Terminal at Port of Brunswick, U.S This port is recognised as North America’s leader for vehicle and heavy equipment logistics. In 2024, it surpassed the Port of Baltimore as the busiest port in the U.S for RORO cargo and took the top spot, due to the Francis Scott Key Bridge Col