The company will now conduct a comprehensive viability assessment in order to have a design ready by mid-2022, so as to contract a shipyard which, in turn, would deliver the vessel in 2025.
Orcelle Wind, previously known as Oceanbird, will be a pure car & truck carrier, 220 m-long, 40 m-wide, and able to carry 7,000 vehicles (incl. heavy machinery as well as break-bulk goods).
She will primarily be propelled by wind, harvested with the use of telescopic sails. Wallenius Wilhelmsen speaks of a sailing speed of 10-12 knots under sail, increased with a supplemental power system if needed be.
"Since 2008, we have been able to our reduce CO2 intensity by 33%, which is a significant step. But the journey towards zero emissions requires great strides forward. We believe the Orcelle Wind is one of them," Craig Jasienski, CEO, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, underlined.
He added, "We have the advantage of size and we have world-class customers, partners and employees. It will take the dedicated collaboration of all to make such a bold initiative as the Orcelle Wind succeed. More than just evaluating the concept, we are committed to making this a success."
Richard Jeppsson, VP Oceanbird Commercial & Partnership at Wallenius Lines, also said, "It is a meaningful moment for the entire logistics industry that one of the biggest shipping companies embraces sustainable transportation. To place a bet on the Oceanbird concept only proofs that they see it as commercially interesting. Their clients will have the opportunity to buy entirely fossil-free transports."
Jeppsson also stressed out, "Wind is everywhere and needs no infrastructure. With our concept we can guarantee sailing speed that gets the delivery according to the timetable, but with the minimal impact on the environment."
The original concept was developed with the help of Wallenius Marine, a ship design, repair, and conversion company, the consultancy SSPA, and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
Photo: Wallenius Wilhelmsen