Wallenius Marine and KNUD E. HANSEN launch new RoRo concept at Donsö Shipping Meet

Illustration of the concept ship with optional wing propulsion

The new concept builds on the award-winning Sleipner PCTC concept and on operational data from the Sleipner vessels Future Way and Way Forward. The new RoRo design, which includes an engine room in the bow, creates (despite its length of 170 metres) a large cargo capacity of 2,720 lane metres, equivalent to 181 trailers.

The Sleipner RoRo (roll on/roll off) concept means that loading and unloading can be carried out quickly and efficiently via the stern ramp and main deck across the full width of the ship, as the engine room has been relocated to the bow. Propulsion is provided by a dual-fuel electric powertrain (LNG/LBG/MGO/Biodiesel) and Azipods, a gearless 360° steerable propulsion system, which provides good manoeuvrability and speeds up and facilitates approaches in crowded ports.

The concept is future-proofed with provisions for wing sails, shore power and alternative fuel sources such as batteries and fuel cells, which can further reduce energy consumption and emissions.

"The RoRo segment of short-sea shipping plays a key role in the transition to more sustainable transport, not least through the transfer of goods from land to sea transport. At the same time, the industry is facing a generational change where new tonnage is needed to meet both capacity needs and demands for increased energy efficiency and reduced emissions. Together with KNUD E. HANSEN, we have developed a concept that balances capacity, operational efficiency and environmental performance," says Urban Lishajko, Head of Ship Design at Wallenius Marine.

With the new Sleipner RoRo concept, Wallenius Marine and KNUD E. HANSEN are strengthening their role as driving forces in the development of truly sustainable shipping.

"With our combined experience and knowledge from the operation, newbuilding and design of various RoRo ship concepts, we can take advantage of solutions that have worked well for other ships and develop something new. Our strength lies in finding the best combination of design and technology for each ship's specific mission, with the aim of continuously reducing emissions and other environmental impacts," says Urban Lishajko.

Wallenius Marine has extensive experience of ship concepts that combine innovation and functionality. Some milestones include:

• Design and technical expertise for the first LNG-powered and ECO-classed PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier) vessels for UECC, which been awarded the Bremenport Greenports Award: 2018 – The Auto Energy vessel won the award for most environmentally friendly vessel. 2022 – Auto Energy won again, and UECC also received the award for “cleanest fleet”. 2023 – Auto Advance, an LNG battery hybrid vessel, won the award after achieving the highest environmental classification (ESI score 80.1) at 10 calls in Bremerhaven.
• Launch of WPCC (Wind Powered Car Carrier), the world's first design concept for fully wind-powered and dedicated PCTC vessels in 2020.
• Overall ship design of WALLENIUS SOL's Baltic Enabler and Botnia Enabler (built in 2022), which are the world's largest ice-class ConRo ships, a hybrid between a container ship and a RoRo ship, with multi-fuel operation. 
• The Sleipner PCTC concept, in the form of m/v Future Way, was awarded by Shippax 2024 for its energy-efficient design with significantly reduced environmental impact and innovative cargo handling system.

The Sleipner RoRo concept will be presented at Donsö Shipping Meet on 3 September at 11:00 CEST in Hall A.

For more information, please contact:
Soya Group Press Service, +46 70 450 12 22, press@soyagroup.com