RoRo Offshore Vessel Rotra Futura Hits the Water

November 26, 2024, by Adnan Memija

The first of two offshore wind Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels, the Rotra Future, designed to transport wind turbine components, has been launched at Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard in China.

Concordia Damen has collaborated with Amasus, deugro Denmark, Siemens Gamesa, and DEKC Maritime in the development and construction of two RoRo vessels, namely Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon.

The vessels, of which the first one was launched recently at the shipyard in China, are designed for the transport of large, and ever-growing, wind turbine components.

The design of the two RoRo vessels builds on the previous ships in the Rotra concept, the Rotra Mare and Rotra Vente, which were also developed by Concordia Damen and have been operating since 2016.

These vessels are designed with a RO/RO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) system and an innovative ramp, allowing for the safe and efficient transport of larger loads.

Additionally, the three Liebherr cranes and the special ramp system enable turbine blades to be stowed in three tiers.

With dimensions of 167.6 x 26 metres, and the wheelhouse and accommodation strategically located at the front of the ship, the new Rotra design maximizes cargo capacity while ensuring optimal loading without obstructing visibility, said Concordia Damen.

“For the Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon, we, along with our partners, have focused extensively on energy savings and an environmentally friendly design. The aerodynamic and hydro-optimized hull design, combined with a special low-resistance coating, contributes to lower fuel consumption,” said Chris Kornet, managing director of Concordia Damen.

“Furthermore, the vessels are equipped with an advanced Wärtsilä main engine, which consumes 15 percent less fuel and has a smaller CO₂ emission footprint than current standards.”

The two ships feature a hybrid propulsion system that complies with the highest IMO Tier 3 standards.