On January 31, 2014, the semi-submersible heavy lift Ro-Ro “Rolldock Storm” (Yard No. 759) was launched before a crowd at Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) in Flensburg, Germany.

The Rolldock Storm is the second in a series two 151.5 meter multi-functional, specialized carriers for Dutch owners Rolldock BV, called the “ST” class.

The ships are significant due to their three modes of loading; including Lift on / Lift off, Roll on / Roll off and Float in / Float out modes.

To accomplish this, the Rolldock Storm, along with its Rolldock Star, is equipped with two heavy-duty, 350t cranes that can move cargo weighing up to 700 tons. In addition, the ships can submerse to about 6 meters to allow for the Float on / Float off of cargo. Finally, both ships boast height-adjustable stern ramps and hatch covers allowing for the loading and unloading of cargo up to 3,000 tons in classic RoRo mode.

The ST class propulsion consists of 2 MAK 9M32 engines with total installed power of 9000 kW, providing for a speed of about 17 knots.

Rolldock’s fleet also consists of an two multi-functional heavy lift vessels featuring the three modes of loading, known as the slightly smaller “S” class at 142 meters.

FSG expects to hand over the Rolldock Storm in May 2014. Meanwhile, the Rolldock Star was delivered to Rolldock in December 2013 and has already completed her first contracts.