After launching the largest fleet renewal programme in the company’s history in 2023, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is now taking the next step, adding capacity to meet future demand and support long-term growth.
The order for four new Shaper class vessels with options for up to eight more will strengthen operational flexibility across the company’s global network, helping Wallenius Wilhelmsen respond to evolving customer needs while further developing its position in the deep-sea ro-ro market.
Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, said: “We continue to see attractive opportunities in the segments we serve and want to ensure we have the capacity, flexibility and efficiency needed to support our customers well into the next decades. Expanding our newbuilding programme with deliveries from 2030 reflects our confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the market. We are investing now to ensure we can continue to grow with our customers while further developing our leading position in deep-sea ro-ro.”
The investment builds on Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s ongoing Shaper Class fleet renewal programme, with vessels already being delivered and entering service. Together, the vessels will modernise the fleet, add capacity and strengthen operational flexibility across the company’s global network.
Purpose-built for Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s trading patterns, the Shaper Class’s future-ready design supports Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s ambition to make lower-carbon transportation increasingly available and affordable for customers. The design combines hoistable decks, strong ramps and adaptable cargo spaces to accommodate a broad range of cargo.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen reached the agreement with Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) following the company’s private placement announced earlier in October 2026. The vessels will have 9,900 CEU capacity and dual-fuel LNG engines. The four firm vessels will be delivered from mid-2030, with options for four additional vessels in 2031 and a further four in 2032. Assuming all options are exercised, the total Capex is expected to be around US$ 1.5bn.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s fleet renewal programme now totals 26 vessels, including options. The company believes this will enable it to keep supporting its customers’ evolving logistics needs.
Image: Shaper class ro-ro (source: Wallenius Wilhelmsen)
