Norwegian shipping and logistic company Wallenius Wilhelmsen has signed a contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Co. for the construction of four methanol dual-fuel pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) and up to eight optional units.
As informed, the contract for 9,350 CEU newbuilds was signed in Hong Kong. The first vessel is slated for delivery in the second half of 2026.
The company revealed that the PCTCs will be named Shaper-class, symbolizing its transformational changes. Wallenius Wilhelmsen believes that methanol is the fastest way to net zero emissions.
To remind, in August this year, the Norwegian shipowner announced it inked a letter of intent (LoI) with the Chinese shipyard for the construction of these vessels.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has set a strategy to maintain a fleet of 125-135 vessels, and new vessels are an integral part of the fleet strategy, and the key to accelerating the company’s journey towards net-zero emissions.
As a step towards reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices, Wallenius Wilhelmsen also signed a biofuel contract with the U.S. energy major ExxonMobil. The contract will see ExxonMobil deliver sustainable biofuel within the second half of this year.
Meanwhile, the company has also embarked upon an ambitious project of building a 7,000 CEU RoRo vessel that will use wind as the main form of propulsion.