Oceanbird secures first order for wing sails
Oceanbird, a joint venture between Swedish engineering firm Alfa Laval and shipping company Wallenius Lines, has secured its first commercial order for wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS).
IMAGE: Oceanbird’s wing sail on display. Oceanbird
An undisclosed shipowner has ordered two wing sails, which are scheduled for retrofit installation in Europe in early 2027.
A wing sail is a rigid, airplane-like structure that generates aerodynamic lift to help propel large vessels using wind power.
The new order "proves that wind propulsion is not just a concept—it’s a viable, scalable solution for sustainable shipping”, Oceanbird's chief executive Amrit Kaur Bhullar said.
WAPS are increasingly being adopted as shipowners seek to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
In January, London-headquartered Anemoi Marine installed four rotor sails on a bulk carrier owned by Singapore-based dry bulk operator Berge Bulk. During the same month, Spanish developer bound4blue fitted four large suction sails on a vessel operated by Maersk Tankers.
Chemical tanker operator Chemship has also placed an additional WAPS order with Dutch wind-power company Econowind for two of its vessels. Meanwhile, South Korean shipping firm HMM has deployed an oil and chemical tanker equipped with a wind-assisted propulsion system for sea trials.
By Tuhin Roy
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