After a Wallenius Marine-led retrofit of Swedish ro-ro freight vessel ‘Lakeway Express’ at Remontowa Shiprepair Yard during late 2025, the vessel has been shown to have gained efficiency, safety and become prepared for future operational and environmental demands.
The result upgrade programme achieved verified operational improvements, including:
- fuel savings of up to 23% at 15 knots
- improved onboard comfort and a DNV grading upgraded from Fair to Good cross several areas
- full-scale upgrade of accommodation areas
- return on investment estimated at 2.6 years
For shipowners facing rising fuel costs, stricter regulations and ageing fleets, the project demonstrates how targeted retrofit investments can extend vessel competitiveness and deliver measurable operational value.
Wallenius Marine was responsible for managing the full retrofit project, including yard planning, supplier and class coordination, supervision, cost and quality control, and post-retrofit performance analysis. The project was delivered during a holiday period under a tight schedule and with reduced staffing across several suppliers and shipyard functions. The scope included major upgrades within hydrodynamics, propulsion, bridge systems, safety systems and accommodation.
One of the key upgrades was a newly designed bulbous bow, tailored specifically to the vessel’s operating profile to reduce wave resistance and lower fuel consumption. The vessel also received:
- New high-efficiency propeller blades
- Eco Control optimisation system
- Full overhaul and upgrade of stabilisers
- New bridge and navigation systems
- Upgraded fire and engine room alarm systems
- Accommodation upgrades
Together, the upgrades improved efficiency, stability, operational safety and crew wellbeing.
David Andreasson, Superintendent, said: “This project shows what can be achieved when upgrades are carefully tailored to a vessel’s operational profile. We combined efficiency improvements, safety upgrades and crew comfort measures in one coordinated retrofit programme — and the results exceeded expectations. Achieving both significant fuel savings and an upgraded DNV grading on a vessel with 25 years in service is a very strong result. It demonstrates that existing tonnage can continue to perform competitively with the right technical investments and project management.”
The Lakeway Express project is said to demonstrate how existing vessels can be modernised to meet future demands of efficiency, sustainability and safety — while continuing to create operational value with relatively short payback time. The outcome highlights the potential of well-targeted retrofit investments as a way for shipowners to extend vessel competitiveness and improve performance without necessarily investing in new tonnage.
Image: ‘Lakeway Express’ retrofit (source: Wallenius Marine)
