WALLENIUS Wilhelmsen and project partners have received €9 million in funding (almost $14 million) for what could be the world’s first wind-powered ro-ro vessel.
European funding program Horizon EU committed the funding to the planning, building and operation of ro-ro sailing vessel Orcelle Wind over the next five years.
“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,” Wallenius Wilhelmsen VP global sustainability Roger Strevens said.
“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.”
The grant is divided between eleven project partners with experience in weather routing, vessel design, supply chain and crew training. The partners plan to test rig installation on an existing vessel.
The goal of the project is to make the Orcelle Wind ready for commercial trading.
“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.” Mr Strevens said.
“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 will be designed as a 220-metre-long wind-powered pure car truck carrier.
It is expected to have capacity for more than 7000 cars and to be capable of carrying breakbulk and rolling equipment.
An important part of the project is installing the wing sail test rig on an existing vessel in mid-2024.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen said Orcelle Wind is expected to commence sailing in late 2026 or early 2027.
