Wallenius Marine and Knud E. Hansen have launched a new roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel concept that relocates the engine room to the bow to maximise cargo space, the companies announced at the Donsö Shipping Meet.

The Sleipner RoRo concept, measuring 170 metres in length, is said to provide 2,720 lane metres of cargo capacity — equivalent to 181 trailers. The design builds on operational data from existing Sleipner vessels Future Way and Way Forward.

By positioning the engine room in the bow, the concept enables loading and unloading operations across the full width of the ship via a stern ramp and main deck, according to the companies. The vessel features dual-fuel electric propulsion capable of running on LNG, liquefied biogas, marine gas oil, and biodiesel, combined with Azipod steerable propulsion systems.

The design includes provisions for wing sails, shore power connectivity, and alternative fuel sources including batteries and fuel cells, which the companies claim could 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," said Urban Lishajko, Head of Ship Design at Wallenius Marine. "Together with Knud E. Hansen, we have developed a concept that balances capacity, operational efficiency and environmental performance."

Wallenius Marine has previously worked on various vessel concepts, including LNG-powered pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels for UECC that received environmental awards from Bremenport. The company also developed the WPCC wind-powered car carrier concept in 2020 and designed ice-class ConRo ships for Wallenius Sol.

The Sleipner PCTC concept vessel Future Way received recognition from Shippax in 2024 for its energy-efficient design and cargo handling system.

Lishajko noted that the partnership leverages combined experience from vessel operation, newbuilding and design: "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."

The new concept was presented at the Donsö Shipping Meet on September 3.