Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Next Generation Vessels are Coming

The wait is over! Wallenius Wilhelmsen is proud to share that we have signed a letter of intent for four firm, and eight optional, next generation vessels!
 
It’s been a long time coming, but after meticulous planning and hard work from everyone involved, we can finally share that we have signed a letter of intent for four next generation vessels (and up to eight optional units of 9,350CEU class methanol dual fuel pure car and truck carriers) with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu). The first vessels will start being delivered from the second half of 2026.
 
“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 capitalize effectively on changing circumstances, as we grow with customers and partners sharing our journey,” says Lasse Kristoffersen, CEO.
 
And these are not just four new ordinary vessels! We are committed to being a shaper, not an adapter. We want to be transformational in the fight against climate change and all of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s new investments will contribute to reaching our ambitious climate targets.
 
As such, as a pledge to this ambition, it is only fitting that our new vessel class is named “The Shaper Class”.
 
We have high ambitions for the future. We want to be our customers’ first choice in shipping and we want to deliver an end-to-end net-zero emissions solution by 2027. Our new vessels will enable us to get closer to these goals. At the same time, we are the world’s largest RoRo vessel operator and will maintain a fleet of 125-135 vessels.
 
Lars Ekren, Senior Manager – Newbuildings and Conversions explains: “The process of developing our new design started over 1.5 year ago and the Newbuidlings team have been working in close collaboration with the designer (Delta Marin) and internal & external stakeholders during this period, to ensure the vessel design meets of safety requirements and is well suitable for our future short term & long-term operational needs,” he continues, “Energy efficiency & reducing GHG emissions is a top priority, and a lot of effort has put into ensuring the new vessels will significantly contribute to meeting our emission reduction targets!” 

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