It has been suggested that this article be merged into Wallenius Marine. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2024. |
History | |
---|---|
Route | Transatlantic crossings |
In service | 2026 (planned) |
Status | In the prototyping stage |
General characteristics | |
Type | Wind-powered vessel, roll-on/roll-off |
Displacement | 32 000 tons |
Length | 200 m (660 ft) |
Beam | 40 m (130 ft) |
Height | 65 m (213 ft) |
Propulsion | Wind-assisted propulsion, four sails |
Speed | 10 knots |
Capacity | 7,000 cars |
Oceanbird is a concept for wind-powered cargo vessels under development by Wallenius Marine. The concept aims to lower emissions by up to 90 percent[1][2] and the design was developed in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Swedish maritime technology company SSPA. Financial backing for the development was provided by the Swedish Transport Agency.[2] In 2021, Wallenius announced a partnership with Swedish heavy industry company Alfa Laval to further develop the concept's wingsail design.[3]
The concept features expandable wingsails that can rotate 360 degrees and tilt down if needed. The masts will measure 40 m (130 ft) for a total height above the waterline of 65 m (213 ft). The rigging will be made from steel and composite materials and resemble airplane wings.[4] An auxiliary engine will be used to navigate harbors and provide emergency power.[5]
While the design is meant to be usable for different types of ships and even retrofitted to existing vessels,[5] the first vessel from the Oceanbird concept is planned to be a 200 m (660 ft) long roll-on/roll-off ship with a capacity of up to 7,000 cars. Such ships are optimized for transatlantic routes. The first vessel based on the concept is planned to set sail in 2026.[6]
In February 2021, shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen announced their intention to order a vessel of the Oceanbird concept, tentatively named Orcelle Wind.[7]