BLRT Repair Yards Naantali has completed maintenance works for ESL Shipping’s pusher-barge combinations to support reliable Baltic Sea cargo operations.

The projects included two pusher-barge sets. The first set consisted of the pusher Rautaruukki together with the barges Botnia and Board. The second set included the pusher Steel together with the barges Tasku and Kalla.

The scope of work covered practical vessel ship repair tasks, including painting, steel, piping, mechanical works and other routine maintenance activities. These essential services help keep vessels reliable, safe and ready for continued operation.

Pusher- barge combinations are designed for flexibility and efficiency. The pusher provides propulsion and manoeuvring power, while the barge provides cargo capacity. Together, they form one working unit that supports efficient cargo operations.

In the Baltic Sea region, this type of vessel operation has another important dimension: ice-class capability. With changing seasons, demanding routes and northern ports to serve, vessels must be prepared not only for cargo handling but also for challenging weather and ice conditions.

That is why the maintenance of the entire pusher–barge system matters. When each connected unit is in top technical condition, cargo operations can continue safely, efficiently and reliably.

BLRT Repair Yards Klaipėda has completed the drydocking of CY INTEROCEAN I, a specialised heavy transport deck carrier operated by Chung Yang Shipping, a South Korean super-heavy and over-dimensional cargoes transport specialist.

The project marked the vessel’s first drydocking project in Europe. It again demonstrated the capability of BLRT Repair Yards to support specialised vessels with complex docking requirements and demanding operational profiles.

CY INTEROCEAN I is part of the CY-Class, a group of heavy transport vessels designed for oversized, high-value and technically demanding project cargo. With her sister vessel CY INTEROCEAN II, she is part of the heavy transport shipping cooperation between Chung Yang Shipping and BigLift Shipping B.V., serving demanding project cargo markets including LNG, oil and gas, renewables, port development, and large industrial modules.

Heavy transport vessels such as CY INTEROCEAN I require more than a standard docking slot. Their maintenance calls for experienced project coordination, reliable communication, technical expertise and a strong QHSE focus. At BLRT Repair Yards, these elements are brought together to support shipowners and operators working in highly specialised segments of global shipping.

The successful drydocking of CY INTEROCEAN I reflects the role of BLRT Repair Yards in the Baltic Sea region as a reliable ship repair and drydocking partner for international shipowners.

BLRT Repair Yards Tallinn completed the drydocking of Kattegat for ALBA TANKERS ApS, including PPG NEXEON 810 antifouling applied using the ESTA method.

Following the completion of the Scandinavia project, BLRT Repair Yards is pleased to continue its cooperation with ALBA TANKERS ApS through another completed drydocking project, this time, the bunkering tanker Kattegat.

The project once again reflects a shared focus on operational efficiency, predictable vessel performance, and practical long-term solutions aligned with the fleet strategy of Alba Tankers. For the shipowner, drydocking is not only a maintenance requirement but also an opportunity to select technical solutions that support reliability, hull efficiency, and cost-effective operation throughout the docking interval.

With these priorities in mind, the underwater hull of Kattegat was coated with PPG NEXEON 810 antifouling, a modern hull coating system selected in line with the shipowner’s requirements for in-service performance and long-term operational efficiency. The coating supports reliable antifouling protection, helps maintain hull smoothness, and contributes to long-term hull efficiency during the vessel’s service period.

The coating was applied using the ESTA (Electrostatic Application) method. This application technique enables more efficient paint transfer and a more even coating build across the treated surface, supporting consistent application quality while helping to reduce overspray and material loss.

Together, the selected antifouling coating system and ESTA application method provide a technically strong solution for hull protection, predictable vessel performance, and resource-efficient ship repair. From a sustainability perspective, the benefit lies not only in the coating’s performance during service but also in a more controlled and efficient application process during drydocking, supporting reduced waste and more responsible use of materials.

Serviced for extremes: supporting offshore vessel reliability in demanding operating conditions

Some vessels are built to work hard. Others are built to work where few can. Aurora Sandefjord, operated by Aurora Offshore AS, belongs firmly in the second category. Following our first project with Aurora Coey, BLRT Repair Yards Klaipėda has completed comprehensive maintenance on Aurora Sandefjord, a multi-functional, ultra-deepwater AHTS vessel engineered for demanding seabed operations, heavy anchor handling, and offshore support in challenging environments.

Designed for some of the harshest offshore conditions, she arrived at our ship repair yard in Klaipėda with the kind of “real offshore life” signature seen on vessels that have truly been working: grooves, wear patterns, and systems shaped by thousands of operating hours at sea.

A dry docking shaped by offshore reality

The project was technically dense and focused on supporting the vessel’s reliability, efficiency, and operational readiness for its next offshore campaign.

The maintenance scope reflected the demands placed on anchor handling and offshore support vessels operating in extreme conditions. It included inspection, repair, and maintenance works across key vessel systems and structures, to restore operational confidence and support safe, reliable performance at sea.

For BLRT Repair Yards, projects like this are a reminder that ship repair is never only about steel. It is about keeping offshore operations moving, protecting crews, and supporting the energy infrastructure that depends on reliable vessels and well-coordinated technical work.

The Aurora Sandefjord project is another solid step forward in our cooperation with Aurora Offshore AS, and we are proud to support the vessel’s next chapter.

Supporting offshore vessel reliability in the Baltic Sea region

With ship repair facilities in Estonia, Lithuania, and Finland, BLRT Repair Yards supports a wide range of vessel types, including offshore vessels, ferries, Ro-Ro vessels, tankers, cargo vessels, and special-purpose vessels.

Planning maintenance, dry docking, or repair works for an offshore vessel? Contact BLRT Repair Yards to discuss the scope and schedule for your project.

On 5 May, during the Shippax Ferry Conference, Western Shipyard received the Shippax RoRo Award 2026 for the Trans Hav project. A proud recognition of the transformation carried out at our yard in Klaipėda.

Behind this award is the extensive work executed in 2025 by Western Shiprepair, part of Western Shipyard Group, and one of BLRT Repair Yards, for Sea-Cargo AS, the owner and operator of the vessel.

The award highlights a transformation that combined advanced engineering, sustainability-driven solutions, and close collaboration across all partners. From propulsion optimisation and emissions-reduction technologies to structural upgrades and future-ready integrations, Trans Hav represents a meaningful step forward in modern short-sea shipping.

The upgrade included:

• Optimised propellers
• NOₓ scrubber technology
• Hybrid-ready battery and frequency converter system
• Integrated Power Management System
• New covered weather deck
• 1,600 m² solar panels
• Rotor sail foundations for future wind-assisted propulsion. The rotor sails were later installed in Rotterdam in phases, allowing the vessels to remain operational throughout the process.

Andrejus Babachinas, CEO of BLRT Repair Yards, accepted the award. 

“The Trans Hav transformation demonstrates how existing vessels can be upgraded to meet future operational and environmental demands while extending their service life and strengthening their long-term operational value. It is also a strong example of what can be achieved through close cooperation between all parties involved.

This award recognises the scale, complexity, and teamwork behind the project, and for us, it is a proud moment to see work delivered in Klaipėda acknowledged on the international stage,” said Andrejus Babachinas

A proud moment for our team, our partners, and everyone who contributed to this award-winning transformation!

Congratulations!

Western Shiprepair completed a major Ro-Ro vessel modernisation project for Sea-Cargo AS at the ship repair yard in Klaipėda, Lithuania.

The project involved two sister vessels, Trans Hav and Trans Sol, which were upgraded in Q2-Q3 2025 to improve energy efficiency, operational flexibility and future readiness.

Following the official presentation of Trans Sol during One Ocean Week in Bergen, we are pleased to share the story behind one of the most technically complex Ro-Ro retrofit and modernisation projects carried out at our yard in Klaipeda.

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.

Over the weekend, Superfast IX of Tallink Grupp departed BLRT Repair Yards Naantali after completing her maintenance.

The scope covered a broad range of repair and maintenance works, including steel works in tanks and void spaces, painting works, shaft seal works, and an upgrade of the ship’s Integrated Automation System, among other works.

Team BLRT Repair Yards Tallinn has completed the servicing of Scandinavia, a bunkering tanker of ALBA TANKERS ApS.

The scope covered up to 29 tons of steel renewal, tank washing and coating works, hull treatment, and a full routine docking package, including piping and valve works, heat exchangers, electrical testing and motor repairs, hydraulic works, and auxiliary machinery works from windlass and steering gear to pumps, fans, and the bow thruster motor.

This was Scandinavia’s second call to our Tallinn yard and another project reinforcing the growing cooperation between Alba Tankers and BLRT Repair Yards.

Beyond this project, our colleagues in Klaipėda have previously had the honour of servicing Nordic, Scandic and Stoc Marcia, while Tallinn welcomed M/T Copenhagen for her intermediate survey in November 2024, with M/T Kattegat expected to be next in line shortly.

In mid-March, a USD 43 million contract was signed for the construction of a new dock for BLRT Grupp’s ship repair yard in Klaipėda.

The new dock, measuring 200 m × 35 m and with a lifting capacity of 15,000 tonnes, will be built by Hat-San Shipyard in Turkey. It will replace one of the docks currently in operation and will also service Panamax-type vessels.

The construction of the new dock marks another stage in BLRT Grupp’s investment programme for its ship repair activities, aimed at significantly expanding the capabilities offered to shipowners across the Group’s ship repair yards operating in three countries, thereby enhancing competitiveness. Over the past five years, the Group has invested more than EUR 100 million in this business area. The expansion of capacity will enable the Group to service more vessels, including larger-tonnage ships, increase the overall workflow volume, and support the creation of additional jobs, both directly and across related service chains.

“Most recently, in August 2024, a new dock built by the same shipyard was commissioned in Tallinn. 180 m x 30 m, with a lifting capacity of up to 10,000 tonnes, it was accompanied by the full renovation of the surrounding dock infrastructure. In 2020, the largest floating dock in the Baltic States, measuring 235 m x 45 m, and with a lifting capacity of 33,000 tonnes, entered service in Klaipėda, enabling the repair, modernisation, and maintenance of larger vessels. In addition, in the summer of 2025, a 101-metre-long, 22-metre-wide dock with a lifting capacity of 4,500 tonnes in Tallinn was fully modernised,” said Fjodor Berman, Chairman of the Management Board of BLRT Grupp.

The new dock is scheduled to be commissioned in autumn 2027.

BLRT Grupp is one of the largest industrial groups in the Baltic Sea region. The Group operates three ship repair yards: Tallinn Shipyard in Estonia, Western Shiprepair in Lithuania, and Turku Repair Yard in Finland, providing comprehensive ship repair and modernisation services.

The Group’s shipyards repair, modernise, and service approximately 300 vessels per year.

A ferry project now nearing completion at our yard in Klaipėda marks another important step in the adoption of next-generation hull coating solutions in ship repair.

As part of the works carried out during the vessel’s maintenance stay, BLRT Repair Yards Klaipėda applied XGIT-FORCE™, the latest coating technology from GIT Coatings, making this one of the first known applications of the system worldwide.

XGIT-FORCE™ represents a new generation of hull protection, developed to support proactive hull maintenance, long-term durability, and improved operational efficiency.

For shipowners and operators, such technologies are becoming increasingly relevant as the sector places greater focus on fuel efficiency and smarter lifecycle management of vessel performance.

BLRT Repair Yards is proud to be part of the industry’s move with the technical expertise, practical experience, and infrastructure required for advanced coating solutions to deliver their full value in practice.