Wallenius Wilhelmsen introduces world’s first full scale wind-powered RoRo ship

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has introduced its latest initiative, the Orcelle Wind, a wind-powered Pure Car and Truck Carrier that will achieve up to 90% reduced emissions. The goal is to have a design ready for contracting with a shipyard by mid-2022, and a finished vessel ready for the high seas by 2025. “Since 2008, we have been able to reduce CO2 intensity by 33%, which is a significant step. But the journey towards zero emissions requires great strides forward. We believe the Orcelle Wind is one of them,” said Craig Jasienski, CEO Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

The Orcelle Wind will feature an overall car capacity of 7,000 vehicles, an ability to carry heavy machinery and breakbulk cargo, with a length of around 220m and beam (width) of approximately 40m it will reach speeds of 10-12kts under sail that can be increased with the supplemental power system. 

“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,” said Erik Noeklebye, EVP and COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

“We have the advantage of size and we have world-class customers, partners and employees. It will take the dedicated collaboration of all to make such a bold initiative as the Orcelle Wind succeed. More than just evaluating the concept, we are committed to making this a success,” said Craig Jasienski.