The Oslo-headquartered automotive carrier Wallenius Wilhelmsen has announced plans to upsize four of the twelve Shaper-class vessels it ordered, increasing their capacity to a record-breaking 11,700 car equivalent units (CEUs). These four ships will be constructed at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) and will become the world’s largest pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) upon delivery.
The Shaper-class vessels are a key component of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s goal to introduce genuine net-zero end-to-end services by 2027.
The upsized Shaper-class ships will play a crucial role in reducing costs and carbon footprints, marking an important milestone for Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s pursuit of net-zero emissions. Expected to start delivery at the end of 2027, these vessels will serve as the core of the company’s integrated, net-zero service offering for vehicle transportation, providing seamless solutions from factory to final destination.
“The new design is tailored to our needs and trading patterns, built with net zero in mind from day one, and offers significant economies of scale. We believe that the upsized Shaper vessels represent a whole new level,” said Xavier Leroi, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen. “Compared to our existing fleet, these ships offer substantial savings in fuel and emissions, along with unparalleled capacity and the highest ramp strength among those ordered, making them well-suited for future demands.”
These large vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines, ready from the start to run on methanol, highlighting the company’s focus on emission reduction. Additional features include enhanced ramp strength, expanded capability for transporting heavy and high-and-heavy cargo, as well as a focus on energy efficiency and crew welfare, ensuring benefits in both operational and environmental aspects.
The Shaper-class vessels will represent the maritime component of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s integrated net-zero logistics service, scheduled to launch in 2027. This comprehensive service will cover the entire vehicle transportation process from factory to consumer, leveraging the company’s extensive land-based logistics network.
Pia Synnerman, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, emphasized the significance of this move: “This is a very welcome step as we can now further enhance our cargo capacity, fuel efficiency, and service provision. These vessels meet customer expectations for future needs.”
The first Shaper-class ships are scheduled to be delivered in 2026, with upsized versions following in 2027.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has options for four additional Shaper-class vessels at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Co., Ltd., but it is currently unclear whether the company will exercise these options.
Source: gCaptain
