Horizon Europe has granted €9.0m to the 11 project partners behind the pure car truck carrier (PCTC) to be powered by wind.

Over the next five years, all aspects of planning, building, and operating the wind-powered vessel will be carried out.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen, who will operate Orcelle Wind, expects to start commercial sailings in late 2026/early 2027. The 220 m long PCTC will offer a 7,000+ vehicle capacity; she will also be able to transport other rolling cargo, likewise break-bulk.

As part of the Horizon Europe funding, the project will also see the installation of a wing sail test rig on an existing Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel in mid-2024.

"The Horizon Europe EU funding shows the concept stood up to the scrutiny of the EU funding authorities and that they had the confidence to give it their support," Roger Strevens, VP Global Sustainability at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, underlined.

He furthered, The EU Funding project is based on a collaborative approach - we need strong partners to lead the way to zero emissions as soon as possible. We are proud to have a group of the best technical, operational, and academic partners, as well as one of our key customers, for the project. All have committed to working together to help make Orcelle Wind a reality."

His company also highlighted in a press release, "The EU project is a solid opportunity to combine the investments needed for full-scale demonstration and data capture with advanced models and tools for wing propulsion vessels. Beyond the demonstrator's vessel, the partners will use the models and tools to develop advanced conceptual designs and operational plans for multiple vessel types to apply the wing solution."

Photo: Wallenius Wilhelmsen