The shipping line has signed a letter of intent with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) to build four dual-fuel methanol/ammonia-ready pure car & truck carriers, with an option for eight more.

The first 9,350 CEU-capacity 'Shaper Class' vessels will start being delivered from H2 2026.

"The process of developing our new design started over 1.5 years ago, and the Newbuidlings team have been working in close collaboration with the designer (Deltamarin) and internal & external stakeholders during this period to ensure the vessel design meets safety requirements and is well suitable for our future short term & long-term operational needs. Energy efficiency & reducing GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions is a top priority, and a lot of effort has been put into ensuring the new vessels will significantly contribute to meeting our emission reduction targets! [net-zero by 2027]," Lars Ekren, Senior Manager - Newbuildings and Conversions, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, commented.

Xavier Leroi, the company's EVP & COO - Shipping Services, added, "To secure our number one position, we will continue to deliver great services with a competitive fleet, offering sustainable supply chain services both on land and at sea. We are already partnering with our customers on reducing emissions through biofuel, and with the new vessels, we can accelerate this towards net zero. This requires new and more expensive fuels, but both we and our customers are committed to securing this as soon as it can be made available."

"There is an urgent need for our industry to transform over the next couple of years. As a company, we are determined to shape this industry and lead the way to capitalize effectively on changing circumstances as we grow with customers and partners sharing our journey," Lasse Kristoffersen, Wallenius Wilhelmsen's CEO, stated.

Photo: Wallenius Wilhelmsen