Oslo-based Wallenius Wilhelmsen has announced that four of the 12 Shaper Class vessels currently on order with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) will be increased in size from 9 300 to approximately 11 700 car equivalent units (CEUs).
The vessels will be the largest PCTCs ever to sail and will play an important role in reducing the cost of the company’s net-zero end-to-end ambition.
“Specifically designed for our needs and trading patterns, prepared for net-zero from day one, and purpose-built with significant economies of scale, the new upsized Shaper vessels provide significant savings on fuel and emissions in comparison to the current fleet - and with both unparalleled capacity and the highest ramp strength in the order book, these vessels are truly fit for the future” says Xavier Leroi, EVP & COO shipping services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
The vessels will be the ocean element of the integrated net-zero service the carrier will offer customers from 2027. This end-to-end offering will include all stages of finished vehicles' transport from the factory to the end consumer. The company plans to utilise its considerable land-based logistics and transport network to make this a reality.
The four upsized vessels share many of the integral design features of the Shaper Class such as a dual-fuel engine, methanol capable from delivery, improved ramp strength, significant high and heavy capacity, and an extensive focus on energy efficiency, safety and crew welfare.
Delivery of the first vessels will begin from the second half of 2026, with the new upsized versions due for delivery late 2027.
