Oslo-listed Ro-Ro shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen has announced that four of the twelve Shaper Class vessels currently on order with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) will be increased in size from 9,300 CEU to approximately 11,700 CEU.

Wallenius said that the vessels will be the largest PCTCs ever to sail and 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. 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,” says Xavier Leroi, EVP & COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

The four upsized vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel methanol engines, enhanced ramp strength, and increased capacity for high and heavy cargo, while prioritising energy efficiency, safety, and crew welfare. Safety enhancements include voluntary fire prevention measures and improved fire extinguishing systems for managing multiple fire zones, particularly for battery electric vehicle (BEV) incidents. Additionally, the vessels from the Shaper class will offer crew amenities such as swimming pools, saunas, gyms, and entertainment rooms.

According to Wallenius, its Shaper class PCTCs will also be ammonia-ready as the design enables the vessels to be converted to ammonia. In addition, the vessels will be delivered with shore power capability to enable zero emissions at berth. The first Shaper Class vessels are scheduled to start delivery from the second half of 2026, with the new upsized versions due for delivery beginning late 2027.

The company explained that the vessels will serve as the maritime component of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s integrated net-zero service, which to company plans to launch in 2027. The service will encompass every stage of transporting finished vehicles from the factory to the end consumer. To realise this vision, the company intends to leverage its extensive land-based logistics and transport network.

 Oslo-listed Ro-Ro shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen has announced that four of the twelve Shaper Class vessels currently on order with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) will be increased in size from 9,300 CEU to approximately 11,700 CEU.

Wallenius said that the vessels will be the largest PCTCs ever to sail and 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. 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,” says Xavier Leroi, EVP & COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

The four upsized vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel methanol engines, enhanced ramp strength, and increased capacity for high and heavy cargo, while prioritising energy efficiency, safety, and crew welfare. Safety enhancements include voluntary fire prevention measures and improved fire extinguishing systems for managing multiple fire zones, particularly for battery electric vehicle (BEV) incidents. Additionally, the vessels from the Shaper class will offer crew amenities such as swimming pools, saunas, gyms, and entertainment rooms.

According to Wallenius, its Shaper class PCTCs will also be ammonia-ready as the design enables the vessels to be converted to ammonia. In addition, the vessels will be delivered with shore power capability to enable zero emissions at berth. The first Shaper Class vessels are scheduled to start delivery from the second half of 2026, with the new upsized versions due for delivery beginning late 2027.

The company explained that the vessels will serve as the maritime component of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s integrated net-zero service, which to company plans to launch in 2027. The service will encompass every stage of transporting finished vehicles from the factory to the end consumer. To realise this vision, the company intends to leverage its extensive land-based logistics and transport network.