China's Jiangsu Shipyard has been awarded the contract to build Wallenius' new Shaper-class vessels, which are set to become some of the largest ships of their kind, with a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units (CEU). The first ship in this order is expected to be delivered by mid-2026, and the contract includes options for an additional eight vessels, reflecting the company's ambition to expand its fleet and meet the growing demand for car transportation services.

To power these state-of-the-art vessels, Wallenius has strategically partnered with MAN Energy Services, a global leader in providing cutting-edge propulsion systems. This significant decision has augmented MAN's methanol order book, which now includes a total of 150 engines, including 23 that are already in service. This move underscores the maritime industry's shift towards adopting more sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel sources.

The chosen powerplants for these vessels are the MAN B&W 7S60ME-C10.5-LGIM dual-fuel engines, which offer the remarkable advantage of being capable of running on green methanol when this eco-friendly fuel source becomes more widely available. This aligns with Wallenius Wilhelmsen's commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

Xavier Leroi, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, emphasized the company's dedication to becoming the preferred choice for its customers in the shipping industry. Furthermore, he underlined Wallenius' strategic vision of providing a net-zero, emissions-free end-to-end service by the year 2027. Leroi firmly believes that methanol represents the fastest and most effective path towards achieving net-zero emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping sector.

Another notable aspect of Wallenius' new vessels is their ammonia-ready design, allowing for a seamless transition to ammonia as a fuel source when it becomes commercially available in a safe and economically viable manner. This forward-thinking approach reflects the maritime industry's recognition of the need to adapt to evolving fuel technologies and adhere to more sustainable practices.

As the world shifts towards cleaner and more eco-friendly technologies, the adoption of methanol as a viable marine fuel is expected to continue growing. Furthermore, it is anticipated that methanol will play a prominent role as a future fuel not only in vehicle carriers but also across various vessel segments as the shipping industry adapts to the evolving energy landscape.

The partnership with the Australian Army highlights the versatility of MAN Energy Solutions in providing state-of-the-art solutions tailored to specific requirements. This collaboration underscores the company's dedication to innovation and its mission to contribute to the development of advanced propulsion systems that meet the needs of various industries, including defense and maritime applications.