Wallenius Wilhelmsen aims to build wind-powered ships by 2025

Wallenius Wilhelmsen aims to build a wind-powered Pure Car and Truck Carrier that, compared to today's best vessels, is expected to achieve up to 90 percent reduced emissions.

The vessel design, called the Orcelle Wind, is expected to be ready by mid-2022 for contracting with a shipyard, and a completed vessel ready for the high seas by 2025.

It builds on the Oceanbird model developed by the Wallenius Marine maritime consultancy. By applying its RoRo company expertise, Wallenius Wilhelmsen will take the idea forward and perform a detailed viability evaluation.

“Orcelle Wind will be our technical and operational testbed for zero emission innovation, where we can assess and develop various zero-emission fuels and technology,” stated Erik Noeklebye, EVP and COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

The very layout of the vessel is in the final stages and Wallenius Wilhelmsen will run a tender among the global yards once completed and pick the best bid. Although the exact price of the vessel has yet to be determined, due to the degree of innovation it will incorporate, construction of the ship is expected to come at a premium.

Maritime Business World