VPLP designed a 121-metre-long RORO vessel for transporting components of the Ariane 6 rocket from Europe to French Guiana, equipped with four Oceanwings®, which make the vessel have as less as possible impact on the environment.
ArianeGroup, the primary contractor for the Ariane launched a tender concerning the transportation of some parts of the new Ariane 6, finally awarded to the maritime company Alizés. The latter entrusted the design of the vessel to VPLP Design, with the design firm constructing a RORO vessel which is 121 m long and 23 m in the beam, and features a bridge in the bow and an open deck aft with high sides to protect the cargo.
Accordingly, being equipped with the wingsails, the vessel has decreased its fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 30%.
Moreover, the Oceanwings® are automated and reefable soft wingsails, also having a separate routing system.
The whole aim of the project is for the vessel to use as much fuel as possible and decrease its environmental impact. Thus, the vessel is equipped with a hull suitable for hybrid propulsion, optimized aero-hydrodynamics, dual fuel engines (LNG and MDO), variable pitch propellers, solar panels to cover energy requirements aboard ship.
Following this project, VPLP also looks for different kind of vessels, such as passenger ferries equipped with hydrofoils.
In light of the benefits presented by wind propulsion technologies, recently ClassNK issued guidelines for wind-assisted propulsion systems for ships.
