Wallenius Marine is making waves in the maritime industry with its ambitious project, the Orcelle Wind, aimed at becoming the world’s first wind-powered Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC). Conducting wind tunnel tests in Gothenburg, the company is pushing the envelope in sustainable shipping, with wind speeds reaching a staggering 250 km/h. This isn’t just a flashy experiment; it represents a significant leap toward reducing emissions in a sector often criticized for its environmental impact.
Securing €9 million in EU funding through the Horizon Europe initiative in 2023 underscores the project’s importance and the confidence placed in it by European authorities. The Orcelle Wind isn’t just an eco-friendly vessel; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when innovative minds come together. As Carl Fagergren, Senior Project Manager at Wallenius Marine, aptly puts it, “We are currently at a central stage in the design process where we want to ensure that our design meets all technical and operational requirements before we finalise the tender design.” This meticulous attention to detail is critical, especially when aiming for a jaw-dropping 90 percent reduction in emissions.
The wind tunnel tests feature a sophisticated 1.2-ton model, measuring 5 x 2 meters, which is no small feat. This isn’t just about blowing air at a model; it’s a comprehensive evaluation of the ship’s aerodynamic performance. The combination of hull and wing testing in a large-scale wind tunnel is groundbreaking. It’s not often you see such a detailed examination of how the vessel’s hull interacts with its six high-tech wing sails. The team is keen on understanding the optimal hull-wing distance configurations and how different command bridge designs impact the overall performance.
The Orcelle Wind is designed to transport 7,000 cars, along with additional cargo, all while cruising at speeds of 10-12 knots under sail power. And for those days when the wind isn’t cooperating, it has supplemental power systems to kick in for higher speeds. The timeline for operational readiness is set for late 2026 or early 2027, which isn’t that far off in the grand scheme of maritime developments.
This project isn’t just a solo act; it’s a collective effort involving multiple organizations, including RISE, KTH, and Oceanbird. This collaborative approach is vital for tackling the challenges of revolutionary maritime innovation. The Orcelle Wind is the first vessel in the “Oceanbird” concept and embodies Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s commitment to achieving zero emissions in maritime transportation.
As the maritime industry grapples with the pressing need for sustainability, initiatives like the Orcelle Wind could reshape future developments. The success of this project could spark a wave of similar innovations, encouraging other companies to rethink their approaches to shipping and logistics. If Wallenius Marine can pull this off, it may very well set a new standard in the industry, proving that green technology can be both practical and revolutionary. The implications are vast, and the maritime world is watching closely.
