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Wallenius Wilhelmsen Takes Delivery of Royal Tern

The 9,300CEU methanol dual-fuel vessel expands the carrier's fleet for global vehicle transport.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric car-carrier ship, representing maritime industry investment in sustainable shipping technology.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has taken delivery of the Royal Tern, a 9,300-capacity methanol dual-fuel vessel designed to enhance sustainable vehicle transport globally. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should shipping companies prioritize methanol and LNG for their new cargo fleets?

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has accepted delivery of the Royal Tern, a massive methanol dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carrier. Built by CMHI Jinling, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR and fly the flag of the Marshall Islands.

Why it matters

The introduction of the Royal Tern highlights the maritime industry's shift toward cleaner fuel alternatives in large-scale vehicle logistics. Its design allows for future conversion to ammonia, providing operational flexibility as environmental standards evolve.

The Royal Tern features 12 cargo decks, an 87,700GT gross tonnage, and a stern ramp capacity of 480 tonnes. Measuring 228 metres long with a 38-metre beam, the vessel maintains a service speed of 17.4 knots.

The players

Wallenius Wilhelmsen

This global shipping and logistics company specializes in vehicle transportation and provides specialized solutions for manufacturers.

EUKOR

EUKOR is a specialized shipping line that focuses on the transportation of finished vehicles and heavy machinery globally.

CMHI Jinling

This major shipbuilding enterprise operates out of China and is a significant constructor of specialized vessel types.

Deltamarin

This engineering firm provides ship design, offshore engineering, and construction support services for the maritime industry.

The details

Designed by Deltamarin, the ship integrates a battery system, shore power capabilities, and hull air lubrication to enhance efficiency. The vessel serves as the latest addition to the fleet following the delivery of the Arctic Tern in July 2026.

Timeline

  1. July 2026: The lead ship Arctic Tern was delivered.

  2. October 20, 2026: The delivery of the Royal Tern was reported.

  3. Q4 2027: Deliveries for the current series of seven methanol dual-fuel ships are scheduled to conclude.

  4. Q4 2028: Deliveries for the planned series of 11,700CEU LNG dual-fuel ships are scheduled to conclude.

Roadmap

The Royal Tern represents a strategic step in transitioning global vehicle carriers away from traditional bunker fuels toward methanol and ammonia. This fleet modernization positions Wallenius Wilhelmsen to maintain competitive efficiency as the broader shipping industry faces stricter emissions regulations.

The deployment of larger, more efficient vessels like the Royal Tern helps logistics providers manage the increasing transport volume of electric vehicles across international markets. Consumers may see increased reliability in global supply chains as carriers modernize their fleet infrastructure.

The takeaway

Investment in dual-fuel vessel technology is becoming a standard move for major carriers looking to future-proof their logistics networks. As these ships enter service, the focus remains on scaling alternative fuel infrastructure to support long-term decarbonization.

Further reading

For context on the future of low-emission transport, read the latest coverage on Electric Vehicles.

Live Poll

Should shipping companies prioritize methanol and LNG for their new cargo fleets?