The partners on a project that aims to build a Ro-Ro sailing vessel have secured a Horizon Europe funding totalling €9 million.
As previously reported, the coordinator of the project, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, announced plans for the world’s first full-size wind-powered pure car and truck carrier, the Orcelle Wind, in 2021.
The grant is divided between eleven partners: Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Wallenius Marine, AlfaWall Oceanbird, Volvo Cars, StormGeo, Maritime CleanTech, DNV, RISE Maritime, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, UGent and NTUA. The project’s scope is to make the Orcelle Wind ready for commercial trading - and Wallenius Wilhelmsen says its ambition is to commence sailing in late 2026 or early 2027.
‘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,’ said Roger Strevens, VP Global Sustainability at Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
‘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.’
Orcelle Wind is the first vessel from the Oceanbird concept for primarily wind-powered vessels. According to Wallenius Wilhelmsen, the concept shows that it is theoretically possible to reduce emissions from vessels by up to 90% if all emissions-influencing factors are aligned.
‘The Oceanbird concept was developed through a partnership approach. We have seen the strength of gathering people from different sectors and companies to cover all perspectives,’ said Niclas Dahl, Managing Director at Oceanbird. ‘By working together, we will bring the Orcelle Wind project to life - and by that - take a huge step towards truly sustainable shipping.’
An important part of the Horizon Europe funding project is installing the wing sail test rig on an existing Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel during mid-2024. Oceanbird and Wallenius Wilhelmsen will present the test rig installation in a webcast on 26 January.
