Our Way 1
COLLABORATIONS EFFICIENT “WORKHORSE” active front
end-type shaft generator with the capacity to deliver a generated power saving of up to 10%. A sleeker vessel design and a more integrated interior and ventilation fans also lead to improved aerodynamic performance. The new PCC has an optimised ramp THIS IS AN ENTIRELY NEW WAY OF THINKING. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT OWNING VESSELS, IT’S ABOUT TESTING AND INVESTING IN FUTURE GREEN TECHNOLOGY. Erik Nøklebye CEO Wallenius Lines asked by Volkswagen to build and manage two of its new-generation vessels for their Atlantic service. The ship designers turned to Knud E. Hansen and proposed developing it together as part of the joint Sleipner project. The parameters from Volkswagen were clear in terms of size, capacity, cargo (only cars) and fuel (LNG, Liquefied Natural Gas) with a high-pressure engine, and, perhaps most importantly, industry-leading fuel economy. “I’m proud to have completed our first Sleipner project together – not least because we’ve achieved a number of important firsts,” says Finn Wollesen Petersen, Managing Director at Knud E. Hansen. THE VESSEL HAS been designed for ballast-free operations, making it one of the first vessels in modern times that does not require ballast water as a stabiliser, and thus eliminating a major weight source. Furthermore, it features an system specifically designed for loading cars. Having one long ramp that serves all the decks will make loading and unloading considerably quicker, thus saving time in port, and allowing it to operate at a lower speed at sea. This is significant since a speed reduction of just 1% can result in fuel savings of around 3%. “Our calculations and data indicate that this vessel will be 7% more energy efficient per unit than the previous generation of car carrier – which was already considered best in class. This despite the fact that the new vessel is smaller, which usually leads to higher consumption per transported unit,” states Urban Lishajko, Head of Ship Design, Newbuilding and Innovation at Wallenius Marine. “The main reason why this is the most fuel-efficient vessel of its type is that it has been specifically optimized for carrying cars and nothing else,” adds Johan. JOHAN, URBAN AND FINN agree that their combined expertise was what made this possible. “Knud E. Hansen is a leading design company with a wealth of technical design experience. At Wallenius Marine, we are also ship designers, but specialised in using our operational and performance management knowledge to optimise a vessel to make sure it complies with the real-world operational needs of the owner,” explains Urban. “It’s a perfect match!” exclaims Finn. “Knud E. Hansen was established in 1937 and, like Johan Mattsson CEO Wallenius Marine Finn Wollesen Petersen Managing Director Knud E. Hansen Design making a difference The new Sleipner vessel, which is 7% more efficient than its best-in-class predecessor, has been hailed for its design and environmental benefits. These include: Lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions Zero ballast water Customised cargo box Low weight Optimised aerodynamics Hybrid operation with batteries Prepared for wind-assisted propulsion with their history of operating RoRo vessels and car carriers, we bring a unique perspective to the market.” The new vessel also represents an important shift back to the previous, well-known relationship between Wallenius Lines and Wallenius Marine. The new vessel is wholly owned by Wallenius Lines and managed by Wallenius Marine, on behalf of Volkswagen. “This gives us Wallenius Marine, is a family-run company with a long-term approach to shipbuilding. Combining our know-how in ship design, weight distribution, stability, and lines, more flexibility to decide how to design and operate the vessel,” concludes Johan. “If, at some point, we want to up the sustainability features even further – by equipping it with wing sails, for example – it will be up to us to make that decision, together with the customer.” Urban Lishajko Head of Ship Design, Newbuilding & Innovation Wallenius Marine OUR WAY 1/2024 21 2/2023