2024 – a hectic, humbling and headstrong year
Reflecting on the year just gone, three words define 2024 for Wallenius Wilhelmsen: hectic, humbling and headstrong. Let’s take a closer look at 2024.
The calendar is showing 2025 – a new year filled with new opportunities and challenges.
Before we keep the sharp focus on the year just starting, we at Wallenius Wilhelmsen want to take a moment to look back.
When we look at 2024, “hectic” may feel like a defining word for many.
For Wallenius Wilhelmsen, however, hectic means progress.
It reflects the trust our customers place in us, the demand for our fleet of 125 vessels, and the value delivered by our eight terminals and 66 processing centers. A bustling year signals the strength of an integrated supply chain—and that is a foundation we are proud to uphold.
Sharp focus on sustainability
2024 demonstrated that customers increasingly share our commitment to sustainability.
Reduced-carbon freight services including the use of biofuel are now an integrated part in most new customer contracts. Prioritizing to decarbonize supply chains together is an important factor in our partnerships, we simply cannot do it alone.
Our CEO, Lasse Kristoffersen, joined other global leaders in signing a letter ahead of COP29, advocating for policies that accelerate climate action. The future of our fleet reflects this commitment, with 14 methanol dual-fuel vessels under order—the first of which, part of our new “Shaper Class,” will launch in second half of 2026.
These vessels represent a significant step forward, offering enhanced fuel efficiency and flexibility, as well as increased cargo capacity.
Bold, impactful and headstrong decisions
During 2024, we have made more strategic, hard-hitting decisions that will shape the future of our industry than any year previously.
We know it is a bold statement, but we have facts to back it up.
Many of our biggest decisions showcase our resilience and persistence, despite many factors outside of our control:
- Investing in sustainability: In addition to ordering 14 methanol dual-fuel vessels, we expanded the use of electric equipment at terminals and processing centers, powered by renewable energy.
- Green shipping initiatives: We signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a green automotive shipping corridor between Pyeongtaek, Korea, and the Port of Hueneme in California.
- Strategic expansion: We secured a 20-year lease with the Georgia Ports Authority in Brunswick, GA, with options extending up to 30 years, strengthening our presence on the US East Coast.
- Increased processing capacity: We Opened two new container processing centers in Tacoma, WA, and Houston, TX, adding over 400,000 square feet of space for high-value OEM containerized machines.
Our resilience was tested in real-time as we navigated emergencies, including the Baltimore Bridge collapse and labor strikes on the US coasts, among others.
In every instance, our focus remained unwavering: ensuring safety for our crews, cargo, and vessels.
2024 has also been humbling
One of the last decisions made in 2023 that turned out to be defining for 2024 was the rerouting of our vessels around Africa, bypassing the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
This choice underscored the limits of our control over global events. It also highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.
Charting the course ahead
Armed conflicts and geopolitical unrest remain beyond our influence, but we are steadfast in navigating challenges with resilience, purpose, and a commitment to progress.
In a year marked by uncertainty and change, we focused on what we could control: fostering collaboration with customers, prioritizing long-term impact and responding effectively to challenges.
We’re ready for 2025 and have already geared up since the turn of the year. We look forward to what comes next, and we will face it with the same determination, drive, passion and clarity that defined 2024.
