Norwegian car carrier operator Wallenius Wilhelmsen announced that it has entered into a new multi-year transportation contract with a European car manufacturer.
The five-year contract, which is expected to commence performance from April 2024, has rates in line with the current market and is expected to generate approximately US$380 million in revenue over the life of the contract.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen officials said the partnership demonstrates the company’s commitment to securing long-term shipping capacity.
In related news, earlier last week Wallenius Wilhelmsen renewed a large 10-year automotive logistics agreement with an existing customer (an automotive equipment manufacturer), expected to be worth approximately $2 billion, with the renewal to be effective from April 2027 onwards.
As the world’s largest ro-ro operator, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has a fleet of 125 to 135 vessels and is further advancing its newbuilding program.
It is understood that Wallenius Wilhelmsen and China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) (“CMJL (Nanjing)”) signed a 4+4+4 9300 CEU methanol dual-fuel PCTC shipbuilding contract in October 2023. On February 27, 2024, Wallenius Wilhelmsen announced the effectiveness of the first batch of 4 optional vessels, which are expected to be delivered between May and November 2027; on March 26, the two parties signed a new construction agreement for 4 optional orders; on May 24, the subsequent 4 optional vessels came into effect, bringing the total order to 12+4 9300 CEU PCTCs; on September 25, it was announced that the 4 9300 CEU PCTCs built by CMJL (Nanjing) would be upgraded to 11700 CEU; on November 8, it was announced that the option of 2 11700 CEU “Shaper” class PCTCs would be exercised to CMJL (Nanjing), and 2 9300 CEU PCTCs would be upgraded to 11700 CEU.
To date, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has confirmed 14 PCTCs at CMJL (Nanjing), including eight 11,700 CEU PCTCs and six 9,300 CEU PCTCs. In addition, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has two options at CMJL (Nanjing), which will be confirmed before the second half of 2025.
It is worth noting that the 11,700 CEU PCTC ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen has been further upgraded to 12,100 CEU in terms of the latest design contract announced by the ship design company Deltamarin. According to previously announced details, the world’s largest PCTC is about 234 meters long and 40 meters wide, with a total of 14 vehicle loading decks. While achieving the maximum loading capacity, the PCTC is also equipped with a tailgate with a maximum load capacity of 480t, enabling the loading of oversized and overweight ro-ro cargo.