Wallenius Wilhelmsen has signed a letter of intent for four next generation vessels (and up to eight optional units of 9,350CEU class methanol dual fuel pure care and truck carriers) with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu). The first vessels will start being delivered from the second half of 2026.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s aim is to deliver an end-to-end net-zero emissions solution by 2027. Its new vessels will enable it to get closer to these goals. At the same time, it is the world’s largest RoRo vessel operator and will maintain a fleet of 125-135 vessels.
These four vessels have been ordered to use alternative fuel sources, such as methanol, upon delivery. They will also be ammonia-ready and will be able to be converted as soon as ammonia becomes available in a safe and secure way.
Xavier Leroi, EVP and COO Shipping Services, says: ‘I am very happy that we can launch this to the market now. I know it is expected from us, and that in order to keep our fleet size, we need to continue ordering vessels. However, with no clear direction on future fuel, this has not been an easy task. We needed time to assess what was the best option for us.’
Lasse Kristoffersen, CEO, says: ‘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 capitalise effectively on changing circumstances, as we grow with customers and partners sharing our journey.’
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 has been working in close collaboration with the designer (Delta Marin) and internal and external stakeholders during this period, to ensure the vessel design meets of safety requirements and is well suitable for our future short-term and long-term operational needs,’ he continues. ‘Energy efficiency and 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!’
Author: Cyann Fielding, AntwerpXL 2023
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