Future Trends in Baltic Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax Vessel Design

Regarding the possible developments that may occur in the next 20 years in the design of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax vessels, this study places particular emphasis on how new features can affect ports and their facilities in the Baltic Sea.

Study Scope and Port Infrastructure Impact

The study includes the following sections:

• a) Size trends in terms of LOA (Length Over All), beam, draft, and loading methods.
• b) Methods of loading.
• c) Propulsion and safety aspects (regarding their impact on port facilities).
• d) New modes or combinations of traffic.

Traffic Growth and Market Consolidation

By 2010, heavy vehicle traffic is expected to increase by 50% from 1998 levels on average across the whole EU, but traffic growth in new EU member states is expected to be even greater.

1. The strong growth in Ro-Ro services during the 1990s was followed by a period of consolidation, where vessel sizes increased and the number of companies decreased.
2. Ro-Pax vessels have become the preferred choice.
3. The preference for short routes after EU accession has eliminated waiting times at borders.

Key Themes Affecting Baltic Ro-Ro Traffic

The anticipated growth in Baltic Ro-Ro traffic is tempered by the following five themes:

• Road Construction: Undoubtedly, the realization of these roads will have a negative effect on the development of the Motorways of the Baltic Sea.
• EU-wide Expansion of Electronic Charging: Currently, several Ro-Ro ferry services have either started or are in the planning stage to avoid German motorways. For example, Cobelfret has launched a weekend service from Esbjerg in Denmark that links with Zeebrugge in Belgium. Increasing toll rates to a level where road haulage pays for its environmental impact will undoubtedly lead to a surge of interest in alternative methods, such as the Motorways of the Sea, which seems the most viable.
• Weekend Restrictions: Restrictions on movement promote maritime transport.
• Implementation of EU Working Hour Standards: As wages rise to a more uniform level across the EU and stricter controls are implemented on speed, weights, and rest periods, maritime transport becomes more competitive.
• Fuel Costs and Driver Shortages: Low-cost gasoil in Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria will likely result in much lower fuel costs for certain operators. Additionally, the lack of drivers in Western Europe remains a critical factor influencing the market.