Wallenius Wilhelmsen has signed a letter of intent for four methanol-capable and ammonia-ready ro-ro vessels, with options for an additional eight vessels.
The four firm 9,350 ceu vessels, to be named the Shaper class, will be delivered from mid-2026 from Jinling Shipyard in Jiangsu, China.
“We believe that methanol is the fastest way to net-zero emission, and the ordered vessels can upon delivery use alternative fuel sources such as methanol,” said Xavier Leroi, executive vice president and coo of shipping services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen. “The vessels will also be ammonia-ready and can be converted as soon as green ammonia becomes available in a safe and secure way.”
Lasse Kristoffersen, ceo and president of Wallenius Wilhelmsen, added: “There is an urgent need for our industry to transform over the next couple of years. As a company, we are determined to shape this industry and lead the way to capitalise effectively on changing circumstances, as we grow with customers and partners sharing our journey.”
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has set a strategy of maintaining a fleet of 125-135 vessels. This runs alongside its efforts to combat climate change, where all new investments will contribute to its net-zero agenda.
