Wallenius Wilhelmsen has officially received the Arctic Tern, marking the first vessel in its new Shaper Class series. This new roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel is equipped with dual-fuel technology, making it capable of operating on conventional fuels as well as methanol. The delivery of the Arctic Tern represents a step in the carrier's strategy to integrate more environmentally friendly vessels into its fleet.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, the introduction of methanol-ready vessels like the Arctic Tern signifies a growing trend towards decarbonization in the maritime industry. This development offers potential for shippers to reduce their Scope 3 emissions by utilizing carriers that invest in alternative fuels. While immediate impacts on rates or capacity might be minimal, the long-term trend suggests a shift towards premium services for greener shipping options. Forwarders should monitor the availability and cost of such services as more dual-fuel vessels enter operation, especially for specialized RoRo cargo.
