Naujienos
Major modernisation by Western Shiprepair turns Sea-Cargo AS’s sister vessels into next-generation Ro-Ros
Following the official presentation of Trans Sol during One Ocean Week in Bergen, we are pleased to share the story behind the transformation of two sister Ro-Ro vessels, Trans Hav and Trans Sol, which 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.
For Sea-Cargo AS, and under the supervision of Stödig Ship Management, Western Shiprepair transformed two proven vessels into modern, energy-efficient ships with greater operational flexibility and a reduced environmental footprint.
The scope of work included the installation of optimised propellers to enhance propulsion efficiency, a 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 1,600 m² of solar panels for onboard renewable energy generation.
On the structural side, both ships were fitted with a new covered weather deck, manufactured by Western Baltija Shipbuilding, a company within BLRT Grupp, increasing cargo capacity while improving protection for sensitive loads. Provisions were also incorporated for future wind-assisted propulsion- the installation of rotor sail foundations to support next-generation emissions-reduction solutions.
Project engineering was delivered by Western Baltic Engineering, another company within the Group, in cooperation with Marine Design & Consulting and Naval Tec.
Scale, Complexity, and Coordination
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 was 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 Ro-Ro vessels now supporting Sea-Cargo AS’s ambitious goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption by up to 50 per cent, and we are proud to have contributed to a project that combines operational performance with a clear sustainability ambition.
Watch the video and witness the Trans Sol transformation journey unfold.
