Wallenius Wilhelmsen Orders Next-Generation Car Carriers Powered by Methanol

Oslo-based roll-on/roll-off shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen has signed a letter of intent to construct four “methanol-capable and ammonia-ready” ships as the company seeks to provide a net-zero emission end-to-end service to customers by 2027.

The letter of intent was signed with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) in China with deliveries scheduled from the second half of 2026. The agreement includes options for eight additional vessels.

Known as “The Shaper Class,” the vessels will have 9,350 CEU (Car Equivalent Unit) capacity, which would rank them among the world’s largest Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC).

“We are securing our position as our customers’ first choice in shipping and delivering on our strategy to provide a net-zero emission free end-to-end service by 2027,” says Xavier Leroi, EVP & COO Shipping Services Wallenius Wilhelmsen. He added the company believes that methanol is the “fastest way” to net-zero emissions, but said the new class can also be converted green ammonia as soon as it becomes available.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen is the world’s largest RoRo vessel operator, with a strategy to maintain a fleet of 125-135 vessels. New vessels are crucial to accelerating the journey towards net-zero emissions and are an integral part of this strategy. The company’s newbuild program already includes the 12 “Aurora” class vessels, touted as the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly PCTCs with ammonia-ready engines and 9,100 CEU capacity. The vessels were ordered from Xiamen Shipbuilding in China with deliveries beginning in second half of 2024.

“To secure our number one position, we will continue to deliver great services with a competitive fleet, offering sustainable supply chain services both on land and at sea,” says Leroi. “We are already partnering with our customers on reducing emissions through biofuel. With the new vessels, we can accelerate our operations towards net-zero. This requires new and more expensive fuels and we are committed to securing this together with our customers as soon as it can be made available.”

Lasse Kristoffersen, CEO and President of Wallenius Wilhelmsen, emphasizes the industry’s immediate need for transformation in the coming years. “As a company, we are determined to shape this industry and lead the way to capitalize effectively on changing circumstances, as we grow with customers and partners sharing our journey,” he says.