Wallenius Wilhelmsen has included a new order of four dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) in China to its fleet renewal programme, with options for up to eight more vessels. If all options are exercised, the investment could see total capital expenditure on the latest commitments reach around $1.5 billion.
The agreements were signed with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) after the Oslo-based vehicle carrier operator carried out a private placement earlier this month. The order is a further step in the company’s long-term strategy to modernise its fleet and secure the capacity needed to meet evolving global shipping demand.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen launched its fleet renewal programme in 2023, which the company describes as the largest in its history. Including the newly ordered vessels and available options, the total newbuilding order book now stands at 26 ships.
Ships of the Shaper Class, intended for flexible cargo operations
The four newbuildings will join the Shaper Class series and will each have a capacity of 9,900 car equivalent units (CEU). Powered by dual-fuel engines capable of running on liquified natural gas (LNG), they will further the company’s goals of delivering lower-carbon transport solutions.
They will have hoistable decks, reinforced ramps and adaptable cargo spaces. The features are designed to accommodate a wide range of cargo types, while giving the operator greater flexibility in handling varied transport needs across its network.
The four confirmed vessels are in the delivery schedule from mid-2030 onward. The options allow for another four ships in 2031, and then another four in 2032. The exercise of all eight options would therefore lengthen the renewal programme further and bring the potential capital expenditure associated with these commitments to approximately $1.5 billion.
Long term confidence deepsea ro-ro market
“Wallenius Wilhelmsen still sees strong opportunities in all the market segments we serve,” said Xavier Leroi, Chief Operating Officer, Shipping Services. He highlighted the significance of ensuring the capacity and operational flexibility to meet customer needs for decades to come.
Leroi said the expansion of the newbuilding programme reflects the company’s confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the deepsea roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) market.
The new contracts also extend the vessels already coming into service under the existing Shaper Class programme. The investment will enhance the operational flexibility of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s global network as cargo flows and customer demand continue to change.
The extra vessels are expected to support the group’s long-term fleet renewal strategy, combining increased cargo-handling versatility with dual-fuel propulsion technology as it prepares for future requirements in international vehicle and specialist cargo shipping.
