Wilhelmsen upsizes and firms car carrier options

Wallenius Wilhelmsen is further expanding its Shaper class of car carriers by firming two options for 11,700 teu ships.

The ships will be built at China Merchants Jingling Shipyard Co., Ltd and are due for delivery in the second half of 2028.

The latest orders for the Shaper class vessels brings the total on order to 14. The first of the pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) is due for delivery in the second half of 2026, and will have methanol dual-fuel engines, 12 decks, and a total capacity of 9,300 ceu.

The company said it is upsizing two more of its Shaper class vessels on order, adding to the four capacity upgrades announced last month. The latest firmed options will also be of the larger design, bringing the total to eight upsized Shaper class vessels. With 14 decks and an 11,700 ceu capacity, the larger ships will be 6 m longer and and 2 m wider than the first ships delivered in the series.

The larger vessels will begin delivery from late 2027, said Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

“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.” Xavier Leroi, EVP & COO Shipping Services said of the upsized Shaper class ships.

Related:Norwegian Car Carriers orders PCTC pair at CIMC Raffles

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has had a run of strong results as demand for car transportation remains high and ship supply low. Each quarter of 2024 so far has proven stronger than in 2023, with Q3 2024 results just shy of the all-time high results in the second quarter.

“Between 2020 and 2024, global sales averaged 81m units, compared to 89m units from 2015 to 2019, highlighting an ageing vehicle fleet and significant pent-up demand. This sets the stage for a robust replacement cycle, with global sales and production forecast to reach 88-89m units in 2025,” the company said in its recent third quarter earnings report.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has two remaining options for PCTCs, declarable by the second half of 2025.

“Exercising our options and upsizing further Shaper class vessels fit seamlessly with Wallenius Wilhelmsen's net-zero ambition. The vessels are prepared for net-zero and future fuels from day one and will reduce fuel consumption and emissions considerably,” added Leroi.