Wallenius Wilhelmsen takes delivery of first Shaper Class car carrier

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has taken delivery of Arctic Tern, the first ship in its new Shaper Class series, with the dual-fuel and methanol-ready vessel set for near-immediate deployment on the Asia-Europe trade through its car-carrier arm. Handed over on 9 July, the ship opens the group's fleet-renewal programme and is designed for greater cargo capacity, better fuel efficiency and more operational flexibility.

The vessel is expected to complete its first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery, part of the company's push toward offering net-zero end-to-end services as early as 2027. Its name marks the start of a series inspired by long-distance migratory birds — the Arctic tern is known for one of the longest migrations of any species, echoing the operator's focus on global car and ro-ro trades. Sister group companies handled site management and delivery readiness at the yard and prepared the ship for commercial operation, with technical management continuing after handover.