Wallenius Wilhelmsen has taken delivery of ‘Arctic Tern’, the first vessel in its new Shaper class series, believed to mark a significant milestone in the company’s fleet renewal journey.
With dual-fuel capability, methanol readiness and enhanced operational efficiency, Arctic Tern is designed to support customers’ growing demand for more sustainable and future-ready logistics solutions. The vessel will be deployed through Eukor Car Carriers, the jointly owned shipping line of Hyundai Motor Group and Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, and CEO Eukor Car Carriers, said: “As the first vessel in our new Shaper class series, Arctic Tern reflects our commitment to investing in the future of shipping.”
With greater cargo transport capacity, improved fuel efficiency and flexibility, the Shaper class strengthens the company’s ability to meet evolving customer needs while supporting lower-emission shipping. Following delivery, Arctic Tern will enter service between Asia and Europe almost immediately, delivering value to customers from day one. The vessel is expected to complete its first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery, marking another step in Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s decarbonisation journey.
Leroi added: “These vessels strengthen our ability to deliver reliable and efficient services to customers while supporting the transition towards lower-emission operations. They are also a critical building block in our ambition to offer net-zero end-to-end services as early as 2027. It is a milestone that reflects both our ambitions for the future and our determination to turn those ambitions into action.”
The delivery of Arctic Tern marks the beginning of a new naming tradition for Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Shaper class. Inspired by birds renowned for their remarkable journeys across the globe, the names reflect the endurance, adaptability and global connectivity that have long defined shipping. The first vessel is named after a seabird that undertakes the longest migration of any species; Arctic Tern embodies the spirit of a vessel designed to connect markets, create value for customers and help shape the future of shipping.
The Shaper project has brought together the expertise of the owners – Wallenius and Wilhelmsen, building on long-standing relationships that have been strengthened even further through the successful delivery of the first vessel. Wallenius Marine oversaw site management and delivery readiness at the shipyard, while Wilhelmsen Ship Management prepared the vessel for commercial operation and will assume responsibility for ship management after delivery.
Håkon Lenz, President and CEO, Wilhelmsen Ship Management, said: “With Arctic Tern and the Shaper class, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is setting a new benchmark in shipping. We aim to set the same benchmark in ship management. These vessels represent cutting-edge maritime technology and managing them safely and efficiently will require the full strength of our technical expertise, operational capabilities, and highly skilled crews.”
Leroi said: “Our collaboration has been at the heart of this project from the very beginning. Through the Shaper class vessels, the relationship between Wallenius and Wilhelmsen has grown even stronger, enabling us to deliver solutions that support our customers today while helping to advance a more sustainable future for shipping.”
In addition to its dual-fuel capability, Arctic Tern incorporates technologies designed to improve operational performance, efficiency and onboard experience. As the first in a new generation of Shaper class vessels, it will play an important role in strengthening Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s fleet, supporting future growth and helping meet evolving customer and regulatory requirements.
Johan Mattsson, CEO Wallenius Marine, concluded: “The Shaper class programme is an impressive and highly complex newbuild undertaking. Coordinating a project of this scale requires close collaboration, technical expertise and effective stakeholder management throughout every phase of construction. As site supervision partner, we work closely with Wallenius Wilhelmsen, the shipyard and project stakeholders to navigate challenges, maintain quality standards and keep the programme on track. Arctic Tern is the result of strong collaboration and commitment between all parties involved.”
Image: Delivery of ‘Arctic Tern’ (source: Wallenius Wilhelmsen)
