Ballast-free car carriers

Wallenius Marine’s new car carrier, the “Future Way”, based on the innovative Sleipner design concept, was christened in Emden, Germany, in September. The 200 metre, 6,500 car equivalent units ship was built in China by CIMC Raffles, China 

According to Wallenius, with an advanced hydro and aerodynamic design, the new vessel contributes to reducing emissions, energy use and environmental impact. This is the first of two car carriers that will go on charter for Volkswagen between Europe and North America.

With the Sleipner concept and the Future Way vessel, Wallenius Marine and Danish design firm Knud E Hansen claim to have “raised the bar for innovation in the Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC) segment”.

“The Sleipner concept is the result of close co-operation between Wallenius, Knud E Hansen and VW Group. The customer’s needs and experience, combined with the shipbuilding and design expertise of Knud E Hansen and Wallenius Marine, have enabled us to take further steps towards truly sustainable shipping with Future Way,” says Johan Mattsson, CEO of Wallenius Marine.

“A distinctive feature is that the ship, thanks to its innovative design, can cross the Atlantic without ballast water in loaded condition. This both reduces the risk of spreading invasive species and makes the vessel lighter, leading to lower fuel consumption,” says Hansen’s Managing Director Finn Wollesen.