EUKOR Car Carriers welcomes Arctic Tern, strengthening capacity for customers and supporting the future of sustainable shipping
EUKOR Car Carriers has welcomed Arctic Tern, the first vessel in Wallenius Wilhelmsen's new Shaper Class series, into its fleet. The addition of the vessel marks an important milestone in EUKOR's commitment to providing customers with efficient, reliable and more sustainable ocean transportation solutions.
Owned jointly by Hyundai Motor Group (20%) and Wallenius Wilhelmsen (80%), EUKOR will deploy Arctic Tern on its Asia-Europe trade, where the vessel will support growing customer demand while offering enhanced operational efficiency, fuel flexibility and reduced emissions potential. Equipped with dual-fuel capability and designed to operate on methanol in the future, Arctic Tern represents a significant step forward in the industry's transition toward lower-emission shipping.
"The arrival of Arctic Tern is an important milestone for both EUKOR and our customers," says Xavier Leroi, CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers and COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
As the first vessel in the Shaper Class series, Arctic Tern strengthens our fleet with greater capacity, enhanced efficiency and future-ready technology. It demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in solutions that create long-term value for customers while supporting the transition to more sustainable shipping.CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers
More than a new vessel, Arctic Tern reflects the long-term commitment of EUKOR and its shareholders to modernize the fleet and enhance service capabilities. Designed to deliver increased cargo capacity, improved operational performance and greater fuel flexibility, the vessel will help EUKOR respond to evolving customer needs while strengthening its global network.
Following delivery, Arctic Tern will enter service almost immediately, trading between Asia and Europe and delivering value to customers from day one. The vessel is also expected to complete its first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery, marking another important step in the decarbonization journey of both EUKOR and Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
"These vessels strengthen our ability to provide reliable and efficient transportation services while supporting our long-term sustainability ambitions," adds Leroi. "This milestone reflects not only where we are today, but where we are heading as an industry."
A true team work
The successful delivery of Arctic Tern is the result of close collaboration across the Wallenius Wilhelmsen group. 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 following 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.
"Collaboration has been at the heart of this project from the very beginning," says Leroi. "The combined strengths of EUKOR, Wallenius Wilhelmsen and our partners have enabled us to bring a new generation of vessels into service, supporting our customers today while helping shape a more sustainable future for shipping."
“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, energy efficiency and onboard experience. As the first vessel in the Shaper Class series, it will play a key role in strengthening EUKOR's service offering, supporting future growth and helping customers meet evolving market and regulatory requirements.
