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.
The vessel will use wind as the main form of propulsion, operating at speeds of 10-12 knots under sail that can be increased with the supplemental power system.
As a result, it will be able to reduce emissions by as much as 90%, while it will also have a capacity to carry 7000 cars along with breakbulk and rolling equipment.
In 2021 Wallenius Wilhelmsen introduced the wind-powered pure car and truck carrier. The Norwegian/Swedish shipping company informed that the Orcelle Wind will be world’s first full-size wind-powered pure car and truck carrier.
In addition to cars, the wind-powered vessel will also be able to transport heavy machinery and breakbulk products.
As explained, plans are in place to have a design ready for contracting with a shipyard by mid-2022, with the finished vessel expected to set sail by 2025, subject to a comprehensive viability evaluation.
To pass muster, Orcelle Wind must satisfy regulatory standards relating to safety and technical performance. Operational needs must also be meet, such as the suitability for deployment on multiple global trade lanes and the ability to manoeuvre in port in bad weather.
