The company has ordered four new vessels, each with a capacity of 11,700 car equivalent units (ceu), which will be the largest pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) ever constructed.
These ships are part of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s existing order of 9,300 ceu Shaper-class vessels being built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.
According to Wallenius Wilhelmsen, these larger vessels will support the company’s goal of reducing costs and advancing its net-zero end-to-end strategy.
The new ships will feature methanol dual-fuel engines, enhanced ramp strength, and increased capacity for heavy cargo. Additionally, the designs focus on energy efficiency, safety, and crew welfare.
The first of these upsized vessels is expected to be delivered in late 2027.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations, Xavier Leroi, stated that these vessels will offer significant fuel and emissions savings compared to the current fleet, while also providing unmatched capacity and ramp strength.
This development follows similar moves in the industry, including an order last year by Seaspan, HMM, and Hyundai Glovis for 10,800 ceu vessels, which were previously considered the largest car carriers under development.