Siemens Gamesa, Amasus Offshore, and deugro Danmark have recently formed a long-term charter agreement for two newly constructed vessels, Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon. These specialized vessels are designed for the transportation of offshore wind turbine components and are expected to be delivered in 2025.
The development of these vessels is an extension of the successful Rotra concept, which has been in use since 2016. This concept has proven effective in reducing risk, loading time, and costs through the utilization of a unique RO/RO (roll-on/roll-off) and gantry system for transporting offshore wind turbine components, as stated by deugro.
The new vessels have been specifically designed to accommodate the larger size and weight of the next generations of offshore wind turbine components. They prioritize optimal cargo intake and operational flexibility, measuring 167.6 x 26 meters with the deckhouse and accommodation positioned forward to ensure unrestricted visibility.
To facilitate efficient loading, the vessels will be equipped with a stern RO/RO ramp, three Liebherr cranes, and a unique gantry system that allows for three tiers of blade stowage.
Thomas Mortensen, Head of Offshore Project Transportation at Siemens Gamesa, expressed confidence in the new vessels: “In Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon, we have the appropriate assets to meet future challenges and carry out essential operations. We eagerly await the arrival of these two new vessels as we expand and strengthen our collaboration. In combination with strategic partnerships with other key suppliers, this joint fleet will provide a solid foundation for executing and delivering in line with our operational expectations.”
In line with environmental considerations, the design and development of these vessels prioritize the reduction of carbon emissions, according to deugro. Various measures have been implemented, such as an aerodynamically and hydro-optimized hull shape, a low-resistance hull coating, and a Wärtsilä diesel engine that consumes 15% less energy and has a lower carbon footprint compared to current standards.
Moreover, the vessels incorporate a power train with a hybrid propulsion system and an exhaust gas cleaning system that meets the stringent IMO Tier 3 standards. Special attention has also been given to waste heat recovery.
Hans Henrik Groen, Branch Manager and Managing Director of deugro Danmark, emphasized the significance of reducing the carbon footprint in the offshore wind industry's future: “The aspect of reducing the carbon footprint will be even more important in the future of the offshore wind industry. Being at the forefront of wind energy industry requirements forms the basis of our joint success.”
The construction of Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon will take place at Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard in China, with delivery expected in the spring and summer of 2025.
Christian Johansen, Global Commodity Manager for Ports & Transportation in Siemens Gamesa's offshore business unit, emphasized the importance of securing efficient project execution: “With our substantial order backlog, we will be installing a significant number of wind turbines at sea worldwide, with increasingly larger and more complex components. This agreement represents a significant step in ensuring our ability to execute projects safely, on time, and at the appropriate cost level.”
