Norwegian car carrier operator Wallenius Wilhelmsen has upped the ante on the world’s largest ever ships on order in the sector with options exercised for two more 11,700 ceu newbuilds and plans to boost capacity on another two currently in its 12-strong orderbook.
The Oslo-listed company has lifted two of its four options held at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, with now 14 ships of the so-called Shaper class, of which eight will boast a capacity of 11,700 car equivalent units.
Earlier this year, Wallenius Wilhelmsen decided to boost four of its dozen 9,300 ceu newbuildings, with the first ship due for delivery beginning in late 2027. Two additional vessels from this series will also be upsized to 11,700 ceu, while the newly ordered pair is expected for delivery in the second half of 2028.
“The cost of the two optional vessels and the upsizing of the two of the vessels on order will be in line with the previous order of Shaper class vessels,” the company said in a filing on Friday.
The upsized vessels will have most of the integral design features of the Shaper units, Wallenius Wilhelmsen said in September, including methanol dual-fuel engines from delivery, improved ramp strength, significant high and heavy capacity and “an extensive focus on energy efficiency, safety and crew welfare”.
“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,” noted Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s executive vice president and chief of operations of shipping services, adding: “With our sight set on a net-zero future for shipping, upsizing and expanding our Shaper class is a step in the right direction toward that goal.”
