Norwegian car carrier operator Wallenius Wilhelmsen has announced its latest shipbuilding plan, projecting the construction of up to 12 dual-fuel PCTCs (pure car and track carrier) over the coming years.
On October 6, Wallenius Wilhelmsen announced the successful completion of a private placement, issuing 17,145,000 shares at a price of NOK 168 per share and raising approximately NOK 2.88 billion (about US$300 million).
The company emphasized that the net proceeds from this fundraising, together with debt financing, would be used to fully fund its new shipbuilding program—thereby consolidating its leading position in the deep-sea Ro-Ro vessel segment—with the remaining funds allocated for general corporate purposes.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has indicated that it is in advanced negotiations with shipbuilders to secure a contract—on favorable terms—for the construction of large LNG dual-fuel PCTCs, comprising a firm order for four vessels and an option for eight more. The initial four vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2030, while the optional vessels, if confirmed, are expected to be delivered on a quarterly basis starting in 2031. Details regarding the specific shipyard, vessel capacity, and contract price have not yet been disclosed, and the shipbuilding contract has not yet been signed.
Should the project for up to 12 newbuild vessels materialize, Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s total orderbook would rise to 26 vessels (including options)—with deliveries spanning from the third quarter of 2026 through 2032—thereby enhancing the company’s operating leverage within a structurally robust car carrier market.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s project for 14 new vessels, which is now in effect, has been entirely undertaken by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu). The partnership between the two companies began in October 2023, when they signed a contract for the construction of 4+4+4 methanol-fueled dual-fuel PCTCs with a capacity of 9,300 vehicles. Subsequently, contracts for several additional new vessels were signed or came into effect, and the capacity of six of these 9,300 CEU PCTCs was expanded to 11,700 vehicles.
To date, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has placed orders with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) for 8 11,700 CEU PCTCs and 6 9,300 CEU PCTCs, with 7 of them equipped with LNG dual-fuel engines and featuring an ammonia retrofit-ready design, and 7 equipped with methanol dual-fuel engines. According to ship design firm Deltamarin, the six 11,700 CEU PCTCs ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) have been further upgraded to a capacity of 12,100 vehicles.
Regarding shipbuilding progress, the first 9,300 CEU methanol-bifuel PCTC, the “ARCTIC TERN,” built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) for Wallenius Wilhelmsen, was delivered on July 15, 2026. Currently, 13 vessels are still under construction for the same client.
According to its official website, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is a market leader in RoRo shipping and vehicle logistics, providing transport services for cars, trucks, RoRo equipment, and breakbulk cargo to customers worldwide. Its operations span 28 countries or regions, managing a fleet of approximately 125 vessels and serving 15 trade routes across six continents, supported by a global inland distribution network, 66 processing centers, and 7 marine terminals.