Wallenius Marine, in collaboration with naval architecture firm KNUD E. HANSEN, has launched a new RoRo vessel concept at the Donsö Shipping Meet, building on the success of the award-winning Sleipner PCTC design and operational insights from the vessels Future Way and Way Forward.

The newly revealed Sleipner RoRo features a 170-meter hull and an impressive cargo capacity of 2,720 lane metres, equivalent to 181 trailers. A key innovation is the relocation of the engine room to the bow, which enables efficient full-width loading and unloading via the stern ramp—streamlining port operations.

Powered by a dual-fuel electric propulsion system compatible with LNG, LBG, MGO, and biodiesel, the vessel also utilizes Azipods, offering 360° steerable propulsion for enhanced manoeuvrability in congested ports. The concept is built with future sustainability in mind, allowing for wing sails, shore power, and alternative energy sources like batteries and fuel cells.

“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.

This marks another milestone for Wallenius Marine, known for pioneering sustainable ship designs. Highlights of their portfolio include the first LNG-powered ECO-class PCTC vessels for UECC, the groundbreaking WPCC wind-powered car carrier concept, and the hybrid Baltic Enabler and Botnia Enabler ConRo ships.

Most recently, the Sleipner PCTC vessel Future Way received the 2024 Shippax Award for its energy efficiency and innovative cargo handling.

Wallenius Marine continues to lead the charge toward greener shipping with versatile, forward-thinking designs that merge operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.