Building on the award-winning Sleipner PCTC concept and operational data from the vessels Future Way and Way Forward, Wallenius Marine and KNUD E. HANSEN are now launching a new RoRo vessel design. Despite its compact length of 170 meters, the vessel offers a high cargo capacity of 2,720 lane meters – equivalent to 181 trailers.
The Sleipner RoRo concept enables fast and efficient loading and unloading via a full-width stern ramp and main deck, thanks to the forward placement of the engine room. Propulsion is provided by a dual-fuel electric drivetrain (LNG/LBG/MGO/Biodiesel) combined with Azipods – a gearless, 360° steerable propulsion system that enhances maneuverability and facilitates port operations in tight spaces.
The concept is future-proofed with preparations for wing sails, shore power, and alternative energy sources such as batteries and fuel cells, further reducing energy consumption and emissions.
With the launch of Sleipner RoRo, Wallenius Marine and KNUD E. HANSEN reinforce their position as driving forces in the development of truly sustainable shipping.
Wallenius Marine’s milestones in sustainable ship design include:
- Designing the first LNG-powered, ECO-classed PCTC vessels for UECC – awarded the Bremenports Greenports Award in 2018, 2022 and 2023.
- Launching the world’s first wind-powered car carrier concept (WPCC) in 2020.
- Design and newbuilding of WALLENIUS SOL’s Baltic Enabler and Botnia Enabler (built in 2022) – the world’s largest ice-classed ConRo, listed among the verified top-performing vessels, holding a Clean Shipping Index (CSI) 5 rating.
- Developing the Sleipner PCTC concept, with m/v Future Way awarded by Shippax in 2024 for its energy-efficient design and innovative cargo handling system
Wallenius Marine said: “The RoRo segment in short-sea shipping plays a key role in the transition to more sustainable transport, especially by shifting cargo from land to sea. At the same time, the industry faces a generational shift, requiring new tonnage to meet capacity needs and stricter efficiency and emissions standards. Together with KNUD E. HANSEN, we’ve developed a concept that balances capacity, operational efficiency, and environmental performance, says Urban Lishajko, Head of Ship Design at Wallenius Marine.”
According to the official website, Wallenius Marine was founded in 1934. Since the mid-1990s, it has led the design and construction of more than 70 vessels and has always been committed to promoting the development of sustainable shipping.
Knud E. Hansen is a leading independent consulting firm headquartered in Denmark. Since 1937, it has provided comprehensive design, engineering and project management services to shipyards and shipowners worldwide. Its services range from conceptual design and basic design to the construction and conversion of various vessels and offshore structures.