First of two offshore wind Ro-Ro vessels launched

Concordia Damen, Amasus, Deugro Danmark, Siemens Gamesa and DEKC Maritime have launched Rotra Horizon, a 167.6m x 26m Ro-Ro vessel with her sister, Rotra Futura, scheduled for delivery to Amasus in 2025.

“The development of the Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon is the result of a partnership,” a statement from Concordia Damen said. “At the basis there is the wish – and a concrete charter agreement – of Siemens Gamesa, Deugro Danmark and Amasus to stay ahead in the market with a new Rotra concept that aims to become a vital link in the logistics chain of the growing wind energy industry.

“With the design, engineering, project management and shipbuilding capabilities of DEKC Maritime and Concordia Damen added, the five companies worked hard to create a new, cost- and energy-efficient vessel type.

“Together, the five partners have accurately mapped the requirements and challenges of the offshore wind industry and created a future-proof and sustainable design that meets the highest standards for safety, efficiency, and flexibility.”

Building on the previous Rotra Mare and Rotra Vente designs, the new vessels can stow turbine blades in three tiers, which gives more flexibility in loading and cargo configurations, according to Concordia Damen.

Managing director Chris Kornet says the hull design has been aerodynamically optimised and has a low-resistance coating to lower fuel consumption by 15%.

They also have a hybrid propulsion system and waste heat recovery system.