Oceanbird flies in with new wind power setup

Photo: Oceanbird oceanbird.jpg
A 50:50 joint venture between Alfa Laval and Wallenius is now marketing a new wing sail technology which, it is claimed, can reduce emissions by up to 90% on large ships.

AlfaWall Oceanbird is headed by Niclas Dahl, who started work there yesterday. He has previously worked on Alfa Laval’s PureBallast, a ballast water treatment system that also began in a partnership with Wallenius.

“COP26 put the need for accessible technology in the spotlight,” Dahl said. “Decarbonising shipping is imperative, and wind is a free source of power with a substantial role to play, and minimum need of infrastructure.”

Dahl is off to a flying start. Oceanbird carried the Wind Propulsion Products Award category in open voting, with 40,000 participants, at the Wind Propulsion Innovation Awards 2021, organised by the International Windship Association to promote wind propulsion in shipping during COP26.

Commenting on this, Dahl said: “We’re proud of the recognition from our marine industry colleagues. As the enthusiasm for wind power grows, we’re moving rapidly to build on what we’ve achieved. Our next wing sail prototype is on the horizon, and we’re on target to have a transatlantic car carrier fully propelled by Oceanbird technology in 2025.”