Global ro-ro shipping and logistics provider Wallenius Wilhelmsen has expanded its fleet with the purchase of the vessel Porgy.
The 2009-built Porgy is currently at IMC Shipyard in Zhoushan, China, where it will enter dry docks and undergo certain upgrades. Planned works include enhanced crew accommodations, navigational equipment and engine enhancements. Additionally, a CO2 firefighting system will be installed.
The vessel has been a part of the Wallenius Wilhelmsen fleet for a number of years. In acquiring Porgy, the carrier said that it leveraged a purchase option from its long-term charter agreement, with the vessel’s value exceeding the purchase price.
Last year, Wallenius Wilhelmsen signed a letter of intent for four methanol-capable and ammonia-ready ro-ro vessels, with options for an additional eight vessels.
The recent drive to add alternative fuel-powered vessels comes amid rising demand for services as well as internal decarbonisation trends.
In the May/June edition of the Ships and Shipping Line supplement, HLPFI reported on Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s difficulties in servicing the project and heavy cargo market due to limitations resulting from high activity in their core business.
However, the company predicted a growing market for 2024. It has already added new ports to its network and has seen rising demand alongside a burgeoning automotive market in China.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen is pursuing a 2040 net-zero target, which requires building a green fleet and decarbonising its operations. In June 2023, it signed its first biofuel supply contract with Exxon Mobile in June 2023 - a balance between an expectation for rising demand and reducing overall carbon emissions.
