en.Wedoany.com Reported - Wallenius Wilhelmsen has taken delivery of the first vessel in its new Shaper-class car carrier series, named Arctic Tern (15,750 dwt), designed as a dual-fuel vessel capable of operating on methanol. The company describes this as a defining moment for the car carrier industry and part of its transition toward offering net-zero end-to-end services.
Built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing), this is the first of six 9,300 CEU car carriers initially ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen in late 2023. The order has undergone multiple revisions and now includes six 9,300 CEU vessels and eight expanded to a design capacity of 11,700 CEU. Deltamarin reports that some of these vessels will be further upgraded to 12,100 CEU capacity. The company also anticipates a future shift to other alternative fuels, with several vessels in the series already ammonia-ready, allowing for conversion once ammonia fuel can be safely and reliably sourced.
According to the company, the Shaper-class vessels enhance its ability to meet evolving customer demands while supporting low-emission shipping, thanks to greater cargo capacity, improved fuel efficiency, and flexibility. The vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, a shipping company jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen (80% stake) and Hyundai Motor Group (20% stake).
The Arctic Tern will be deployed on routes from Asia to Europe. The company reports that the vessel is expected to complete its first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. Xavier Leroj, Chief Operating Officer of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Shipping Services, emphasized that the new vessel is "a key cornerstone of our ambition to offer net-zero end-to-end services as early as 2027."
In addition to its dual-fuel capability, the Arctic Tern integrates technologies designed to improve operational performance, efficiency, and onboard experience. The design includes shore power capability for zero-emission berthing. The hull has been optimized for efficiency and incorporates efficiency and energy-saving devices such as an air lubrication system (ALS), battery solutions to reduce energy consumption during maneuvering, power generation optimization, and solar panels.
