Our first wing sail:

Oceanbird Wing 560

The first wing sail from Oceanbird is named after its size: 560 square meters. It can be installed on existing and newbuilt vessels, as main propulsion or wind-assist to support the engine.

The main energy force comes from wind, but the wing has more in common with airplane wings than traditional sails. Therefore, aerodynamics are important in developing the concept. The wing consists of a main sail and a flap, optimizing the aerodynamics forces. When entering harbors, passing under bridges or if the surface area needs to be reduced due to strong winds, the smaller segment folds into the other before the whole wing sail is tilted.

Short facts

Height: 40 meters (131 feet)
Width: 14 meters (46 feet)
Total sail area: 560 m2 (6028 f2)
Two segments: Consists of a main sail and a flap, optimizing the aerodynamic forces by creating camber
Materials: High strength steel, glass fiber and recycled PET
Safety philosophy: Always tiltable, even in strong winds and during black-outs
Actuation: Variable hydraulic drive
Energy consumption: Low (passive system)
Performance: One wing sail on an existing RoRo vessel at normal speed, can reduce fuel consumption from main engine with 7-10 % on favorable oceangoing routes. This means a saving of 600 tons of diesel per year, which corresponds to approx. 2,000 tons of CO2
Developed by: Oceanbird – a joint venture between Alfa Laval and Wallenius, founded in December 2021

How a bird´s wing can move a vessel

Applications of Wing 560

To achieve a shipping revolution we need to consider both reducing a lot of emissions from vessels especially built for wind propulsion, and the 60,000 commercial vessels on sea today. Installing one or two wing sails on existing ships, will of course not mean as big an emission reduction per ship, but overall it will have a greater impact on the total emissions caused by shipping.

Fully sailing

Primary Wind-Powered vessels use the wind as main propulsion, and have an engine for support. A vessel special built for wind propulsion with a full set of Oceanbird wing sails, has the potential to cut 50-90% of all emissions.

Supported by wind

Wind-Assisted vessels are equipped with 1-3 wing sails to complement the main engine. The generated thrust from the wing sails allows for power reduction on the propulsion system, contributing to fuel savings and emission reductions.

Prepared for wind

A Wind-Ready vessel is designed and built to meet classification and flag state requirements for Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems. These adjustments in an early design stage enables an effective wind propulsion system in the future.

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It tilts!

For us, it is crucial that the Oceanbird wing sail always can be tilted down on deck. That was why our Site Manager Björn Ohlsson…