Wallenius Wilhelmsen has declared options to build four additional next-generation Shaper Class pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels.
The 9,300 CEU methanol dual fuel vessels can utilize alternative fuel sources, such as methanol, upon delivery. They will also be ammonia-ready and able to be converted as soon as ammonia becomes available in a safe and secure way. These next generation vessels will play a key role in the introduction of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s net zero emissions end-to-end service by 2027.
“Together with our customers we are committed to further shaping our industry and accelerating towards net zero. These new vessels are a vital part of that journey,” says Xavier Leroi, EVP & COO Shipping Services.
This latest commitment brings the total number of Shaper Class vessels currently on order with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) to eight. Wallenius Wilhelmsen also retains further options.
In October 2023, Wallenius Wilhelmsen signed a contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) for the construction of 4 methanol dual-fuel car and truck carriers (PCTC) with eight options in Hong Kong.
Developed by Wallenius Wilhelmsen in cooperation with the ship design company Deltamarin, this series of vessels has been named the “Shaper Class”. Wallenius Wilhelmsen believes that methanol is the fastest way to net-zero emissions, and the series of PCTCs are all available with methanol fuel, and in the future can be retrofitted to use ammonia fuel, symbolizing the transformation and upgrading of the company.
The first of the Shaper Class vessels already ordered are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026. The four additional vessels under the declared options will be delivered between May and November 2027.