Wallenius Wilhelmsen has secured a three-year shipping and logistics contract worth approximately US$700 million with a leading Asian automaker, further strengthening its contract portfolio and expanding its long-term business commitments.
The Norwegian shipping and vehicle logistics group said the agreement continues an existing partnership with the unnamed customer. Freight rates are broadly in line with current market levels, while the contract includes an option for a further two-year extension, subject to mutual agreement.
The agreement also incorporates a multi-fuel strategy across all routes, allowing for the gradual introduction of alternative and lower-emission fuels.
Recent contracts push new business above US$1.7 billion
The latest agreement follows two contracts announced on 29 October with a major construction equipment manufacturer, with a combined value of approximately US$1.05 billion.
The three-year agreements comprise around US$950 million in shipping services and nearly US$100 million in supporting logistics services.
Together, the recent agreements represent more than US$1.7 billion in new shipping and logistics contracts secured within a matter of days.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has also expanded its contract portfolio through several agreements earlier in 2026. These include a US$130 million maritime contract with an Asian automaker and heavy equipment manufacturer in January, a US$190 million automotive distribution contract renewal in March, and a US$420 million contract renewal with a major European automaker in June.
Including the latest agreements, the company has secured approximately US$2.5 billion in shipping contracts during the year.
New vessel programme supports capacity expansion
The contract announcements follow Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s major vessel construction programme at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu).
On 28 October, the company announced an agreement for the construction of four 9,900 CEU pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), with options for an additional eight vessels. The potential 12-vessel order is valued at approximately US$1.5 billion, or around US$125 million per vessel.
The first four vessels are scheduled for delivery from mid-2030. If all options are exercised, four additional vessels are expected in 2031 and another four in 2032.
The vessels belong to the Shaper class, developed by Wallenius Wilhelmsen in collaboration with ship design firm Deltamarin. They will feature liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel engines, retractable decks, heavy-load ramps and flexible cargo spaces designed to accommodate a broad range of vehicle and project cargo.
Order book grows to 26 vessels, including options
The latest shipbuilding programme builds on an established relationship between Wallenius Wilhelmsen and China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu), which began in October 2023 with an agreement for 9,300 CEU methanol dual-fuel PCTCs.
Subsequent vessel contracts and design developments have expanded the programme, including the upgrading of six vessels from 9,300 CEU to 11,700 CEU, with Deltamarin indicating a further increase to 12,100 CEU.
Following the latest agreements, Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s order book stands at 26 vessels, including eight options. It comprises eight 11,700 CEU PCTCs, six 9,300 CEU PCTCs and four firm 9,900 CEU vessels, with options for eight more.
All the vessels are scheduled to be built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu), with deliveries expected between the third quarter of 2026 and 2032.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen provides global RoRo shipping and vehicle logistics services for cars, trucks, rolling equipment and bulk cargo. The company operates in 28 countries and regions, with a fleet of approximately 125 vessels, 15 trade routes across six continents, 66 handling centres and seven marine terminals.
The combination of long-term customer contracts and planned fleet expansion highlights the company’s continued investment in shipping capacity and integrated vehicle logistics services.
