Wallenius Wilhelmsen takes delivery of first Shaper Class vessel

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has taken delivery of Arctic Tern, the first vessel in its new Shaper Class series, marking a significant milestone in the company's fleet renewal journey. With dual-fuel capability, methanol readiness and enhanced operational efficiency, Arctic Tern supports customers’ growing demand for more sustainable and future-ready logistics solutions.

The delivery of Arctic Tern marks a defining moment for Wallenius Wilhelmsen. The vessel will be deployed through EUKOR Car Carriers, the jointly owned shipping line of Hyundai Motor Group and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. “As the first vessel in our new Shaper Class series, Arctic Tern reflects our commitment to investing in the future of shipping,” says Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, who also serves as CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers.

With greater cargo capacity, improved efficiency and fuel flexibility, the Shaper Class strengthens the company’s ability to meet evolving customer needs while supporting lower emission shipping. Following delivery, Arctic Tern will enter service between Asia and Europe almost immediately, delivering value to customers from day one. The vessel is also expected to complete its first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery, marking another step in Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s decarbonization journey.

“These vessels strengthen our ability to deliver reliable and efficient services to customers while supporting the transition towards lower-emission operations. They are also a critical building block in our ambition to offer net-zero end-to-end services as early as 2027. It is a milestone that reflects both our ambitions for the future and our determination to turn those ambitions into action," says Leroi.

The delivery of Arctic Tern also marks the beginning of a new naming tradition for Wallenius Wilhelmsen's Shaper Class series. Inspired by birds renowned for their remarkable journeys across the globe, the names reflect the endurance, adaptability and global connectivity that have long defined shipping. The first vessel is named after the Arctic tern, a seabird that undertakes the longest migration of any species on Earth, Arctic Tern embodies the spirit of a vessel designed to connect markets, create value for customers and help shape the future of shipping.

A milestone built through collaboration

Arctic Tern also stands as a testament to true collaboration. The project has brought together the expertise of the owners Wallenius and Wilhelmsen, building on long-standing relationships that have been strengthened even further through the successful delivery of the first Shaper Class vessel. Wallenius Marine oversaw site management and delivery readiness at the shipyard, while Wilhelmsen Ship Management prepared the vessel for commercial operation and will assume responsibility for ship management after delivery.

"With Arctic Tern and the Shaper Class, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is setting a new benchmark in shipping. We aim to set the same benchmark in ship management. These vessels represent cutting-edge maritime technology and managing them safely and efficiently will require the full strength of our technical expertise, operational capabilities, and highly skilled crews," says Håkon Lenz, President and CEO of Wilhelmsen Ship Management.

“Our collaboration has been at the heart of this project from the very beginning. Through the Shaper Class vessels, the relationship between Wallenius and Wilhelmsen has grown even stronger, enabling us to deliver solutions that support our customers today while helping to advance a more sustainable future for shipping,“ adds Leroi.

“The Shaper Class program is an impressive and highly complex newbuild undertaking. Coordinating a project of this scale requires close collaboration, technical expertise and effective stakeholder management throughout every phase of construction. As site supervision partner, we work closely with Wallenius Wilhelmsen, the shipyard and project stakeholders to navigate challenges, maintain quality standards and keep the program on track. Arctic Tern is the result of strong collaboration and commitment between all parties involved. We congratulate Wallenius Wilhelmsen on reaching this important milestone and bringing the first Shaper Class vessel into service,” says Johan Mattsson, CEO Wallenius Marine.

In addition to its dual-fuel capability, Arctic Tern incorporates technologies designed to improve operational performance, efficiency and onboard experience. As the first vessel in a new generation of Shaper Class vessels, it will play an important role in strengthening Wallenius Wilhelmsen's fleet, supporting future growth and helping meet evolving customer and regulatory requirements.