Wallenius Wilhelmsen is upsizing four of its twelve Shaper-class vessels currently on order with Jinling Shipyard in Jiangsu, China.
The vessels will increase from 9,300 to approximately 11,700 ceu’s. According to the company, the vessels will be the largest PCTCs ever to sail.
“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. 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” said Xavier Leroi, chief operating officer shipping services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
The vessels will be the ocean element of the integrated net-zero service Wallenius Wilhelmsen 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 land-based logistics and transport network to make this a reality.
The four upsized vessels share many of the 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 a focus on energy efficiency, safety and crew welfare.
The first Shaper-class vessels will start being delivered in the second half of 2026, with the new upsized versions due for delivery beginning in late 2027.
