Major transformation into next generation RoRos
Major modernisation work by Western Shiprepair turns Sea-Cargo sister vessels into next generation RoRos.
Following the official presentation of Trans Sol during One Ocean Week in Bergen, BLRT shared the story behind the transformation of two sister RoRos, Trans Hav and Trans Sol. For operator Sea-Cargo AS, and under the supervision of Stödig Ship Management, Western Shiprepair in Lithuania transformed two proven vessels into modern, next generation RoRos with greater operational flexibility and a reduced environmental footprint.
The next generation RoRos underwent a full-scale modernisation in Q2-Q3 2025 at Western Shiprepair, one of BLRT Repair Yards and part of the BLRT Grupp family of shipyards, ahead of their return to service in a more energy-efficient and future-ready form.
The scope of work on the next generation RoRos included the installation of optimised propellers to enhance propulsion efficiency, NOₓ scrubber technology to meet stricter emission standards and hybrid-ready battery and frequency converter systems. In addition, the vessels were equipped with a fully integrated power management system, and feature approximately 1,600m² of solar panels for onboard renewable energy generation.
On the structural side, both next generation RoRos were fitted with a new covered weather deck manufactured by Western Baltija Shipbuilding, another company within BLRT Grupp, thereby increasing cargo capacity and improving protection for sensitive loads. Provisions were also incorporated for future wind-assisted propulsion, with the installation of rotor sail foundations to support next-generation emission-reduction solutions.
Project engineering for the next generation RoRos was delivered by Western Baltic Engineering, another company within the group, in cooperation with Marine Design & Consulting and Naval Tec.
Next generation RoRos
According to Simonas Keliotis, Commercial Director at Western Shiprepair, the projects stood out for their scale and technical complexity. “These were far from routine retrofits. A wide range of major upgrades were carried out in parallel, including the installation of scrubbers, deckhouse construction, the manufacturing and installation of a covered weather deck, and rotor sail foundations. In addition, executing the modernisation of two sister vessels within the same programme required detailed preparation and close collaboration across multiple teams.”
Keliotis adds that the scope of steelwork alone reached approximately 1,500 tonnes – a significant volume for retrofit projects of this type. “Managing such extensive work while maintaining the planned schedule required precise planning, careful sequencing of activities, and continuous alignment between all stakeholders.
“The result is two upgraded, efficient RoRos now supporting Sea-Cargo AS’s ambitious goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption by up to 50%, and we are proud to have contributed to a project that combines operational performance with a clear sustainability ambition.”
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Trans Sol at Western Shiprepair, one of BLRT Repair Yards