Orcelle Wind is introducing the world's first wind-powered RoRo vessel.
In today’s world of cost focus and just-in-time logistics, could wind actually be an option for reaching zero emission propulsion?
On June 21st 2022 Wallenius Marine and Knud E. Hansen signed an agreement that Knud E. Hansen will join the project of designing the world’s first wind-powered RoRo vessel, as Naval Architects.
Building on the Oceanbird concept developed by maritime consultancy Wallenius Marine, Wallenius Wilhelmsen will take the concept forward by applying its extensive knowledge from the RoRo business to the detailed design of the vessel’s features - like its cargo, storage areas - assess areas for operation, and conduct a comprehensive viability evaluation.
The Orcelle Wind will need to prove its commercial viability. Success here will be heavily dependent on partnerships with customers and whether there is commitment in the market to adopting radical and innovative measures to drastically reduce the environmental footprint of outbound supply chains.
The next phase
With a concept that Wallenius Wilhelmsen deems viable for commercial operation, a second phase of the project will be initiated: The building and commissioning of the first ship of its kind.
The vessel will:
- Use wind as the main form of propulsion
- Operate at speeds of 10-12 knots under sail that can be increased with the supplemental power system
- Reduce emissions by as much as 90 percent
- Have a capacity to carry 7000 cars along with breakbulk and rolling equipment
