Splash247.com — 2023-10-24
Members Corner
Norway’s Wallenius Wilhelmsen has firmed up a letter of intent for four methanol-capable and ammonia-ready car carrier newbuilds in China.
The Oslo-listed operator of around 125 ships has contracted Jinling Shipyard Jiangsu to build and deliver the 9,350 ceu quartet from mid-2026.
A deal for the so-called Shaper Class vessels, developed in collaboration with ship designer Deltamarin, comes with individual options for an additional eight units and is part of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s goal of achieving a net-zero emissions integrated supply chain service by 2027.
“We are committed to being a shaper, not an adapter,” the company said back in August when presenting its newbuild design, adding: “Our belief is that methanol is the fastest way to reach net-zero emission. As such, our choices going forward reflect that.”
The vessels will be able to be converted to run on ammonia as soon as it becomes available “in a safe and secure way”.