Wallenius Wilhelmsen Supersizes Shaper-Class Car Carriers

Oslo-based car shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen has announced plans to supersize four of its twelve Shaper Class vessels on order to a record-breaking capacity of 11,700 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs). The four vessels, to be built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu), will become the largest Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) in the world when delivered.

The Shaper Class vessels are a key component of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s goal of introducing a true net-zero end-to-end service by 2027.

The upsized Shaper Class vessels are poised to play a crucial role in reducing costs and carbon footprints, marking a significant milestone in the Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s pursuit of net-zero emissions. With delivery expected to start in late 2027, the ships will be integral to the company’s comprehensive end-to-end, net-zero service for vehicle transport, offering customers a seamless solution from factory to final destination.

“Specifically designed for our needs and trading patterns, prepared for net-zero from day one, and purpose built with significant economies of scale, we believe the new upsized Shaper vessels are a class apart,” said Xavier Leroi, EVP & COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen. “Providing 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.”

The larger vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines, ready to run on methanol from day one, underscoring the company’s focus on reducing emissions. Additional features include improved ramp strength, expanded capacity for heavy and high cargo, and an emphasis on energy efficiency and crew welfare, ensuring both operational and environmental benefits.

The Shaper Class vessels will represent the ocean-going component of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s integrated net-zero logistics service, set to launch in 2027. This comprehensive offering will span the entire vehicle transport journey, from factory to consumer, and will leverage the company’s vast land-based logistics network.

Pia Synnerman, EVP & CCO at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, underscored the significance of the move: “This is very welcome as we now further improve our cargo capabilities, fuel efficiency, and service offerings. These address the future needs expressed by our customers.”

The first vessels from the Shaper Class are scheduled for delivery in 2026, with the newly upsized versions to follow in 2027.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has options for four more Shaper Class vessels at China Merchants Jingling Shipyard Co., but as of now it’s unclear if the company will use them.