Wallenius Wilhelmsen has signed a decade-long contract extension with a long-standing automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM), signaling a continued focus on integrated logistics and digital innovation across the vehicle supply chain.
The extended agreement, which kicks off in April 2027, is estimated to generate a gross revenue of USD 2 billion. It covers a wide spectrum of land-based logistics services, including vehicle receiving, end-of-line work, accessory installations, delivery management, storage, and digital supply chain tracking. The ocean transportation component, which includes both short-sea and deep-sea shipping, remains governed under separate contracts.
The scale of the deal speaks to the depth of the relationship between the two companies, which have worked closely for years. But it’s not just about maintaining the status quo. Both sides have set their sights on expanding the partnership to include additional services and capabilities, with an emphasis on digital transformation and operational efficiency.
John Felitto, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Logistics Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, described the extended agreement as one that enables flexibility and encourages collaborative innovation. “Long-term multi product contracts benefit both our customers and us as they provide seamless integration, flexibility for both parties, and room for innovative collaborations to enhance digital value chain solutions,” he said.
This isn’t just a typical logistics contract. What makes it stand out is its focus on full-spectrum services, starting from vehicle processing on land all the way to digital integration for enhanced visibility across the supply chain. The automotive OEM gains not just a logistics provider but a partner involved in optimizing every link of the chain.
Felitto pointed out that the contract in question is one of the largest land-based scopes currently held by the company. “The contract has a solid land-based scope and is one of our largest. It is exciting to enhance a partnership that already prioritizes comprehensive integration and digital transformation at its core,” he noted.
As the automotive industry faces pressure to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and respond to evolving market conditions, the renewed commitment between the two companies reflects a shared strategy. There’s a clear ambition to not only strengthen current operations but to build toward a future where logistics plays a central role in driving smarter, cleaner, and more connected vehicle delivery networks.
Looking ahead, there’s a mutual goal to bring the ocean logistics side under the same umbrella, creating an end-to-end strategy that simplifies operations while improving transparency and adaptability. For a sector known for its complexity, consolidating land and sea services could offer tangible operational gains.
The long-term nature of the deal underscores a broader industry trend: automakers are leaning heavily on logistics providers to deliver stability in an increasingly unpredictable world. With this contract, Wallenius Wilhelmsen positions itself as more than a transporter—it becomes a key architect in shaping the OEM’s global supply chain.
