WALLENIUS WILHELMSEN has decided to increase the size of four of its highly-advanced Shaper class PCTCs currently on order with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) to become the largest such ships ever to sail.
WW has 12 Shapers on order, with further options, and will boost the capacity of four from 9300 CEU to approximately 11,700 CEU in what it says will play an important role in reducing the cost of the company’s net-zero end-to-end ambition.
“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,” Xavier Leroi, EVP & COO Shipping Services said. “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.”
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 utilize its considerable land-based logistics and transport network to make this a reality.
The four upsized vessels share many of the integral 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 an extensive focus on energy efficiency, safety and crew welfare.
The first Shaper Class vessels will start being delivered from the second half of 2026, with the new upsized versions due for delivery beginning late 2027.
WW has thus jumped ahead of rivals, size-wise. Tonnage provider Seaspan, HMM, KMC and Hyundai Glovis all have orders in Chinese yards for 10,800 CEU ships for long-term operation by Hyundai Glovis, while Chinese builders recently obtained DNV approval in principle for a 11,000 CEU design.
