Finland-based Deltamarin has signed a contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) for the design and engineering of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s upsized Shaper-class vessels.
After exercising an option for an additional two Shaper-class vessels in November 2024, Deltamarin’s contract includes six of the 14 vessels presently on order with Jinling Shipyard, which will be increased in size from 9,300 ceu to roughly 12,100 ceu, making them the largest pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) ever to sail.
Extending its collaboration with Wallenius Wilhelmsen on the Shaper-class, Deltamarin’s scope of work includes providing the shipyard with comprehensive design services, covering both basic and detail design, with an emphasis on optimising fuel efficiency, safety and sustainability.
The upsized vessels will feature dual-fuel engines capable of operating on methanol, a key feature of the Shaper-class models. They also feature enhanced ramp strength and high-and-heavy cargo capacity, allowing for transporting of more diverse project cargo.
The initial Shaper-class vessels are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2026, while the upsized versions are expected in late 2027.
