Oceanbird reveals new wing design

April 27, 2022

The new Oceanbird wing sail is pushing the edge even further. The wing consists of a core and a flap, optimizing the aerodynamics forces. It is half the size but shows the same performance as previous design, allowing a smaller footprint: both environmental and on deck.

To keep up with a tight time plan, and developing truly sustainable propulsion for the shipping industry, the engineers at Oceanbird needed to rethink previous design. Instead of a telescopic solution to allow the vessel to pass under bridges and reduce the power in hard weather, the new wing can be folded and tilted.

Mikael Razola, Technical Director Oceanbird.

“The two-segment wing sail is aerodynamically optimized and provides a high propulsive power in relation to the wing area. The smaller segment folds into the other before the whole wing sail is tilted, and therefore demanding less space on deck when it is not being used” says Mikael Razola, Technical Director at Oceanbird.

How is it more sustainable?

Sustainability is key in the Oceanbird concept. This new design are 40 meters high instead of 80 and therefore requires less material. A larger part of the wing sail is made of material that can be recycled. It is also more robust and long-lasting with less sensitive elements that can cause problems.

“We have visited suppliers, had a close dialogue with our potential customers and are now confident in that this is the way to move forward”, says Mikael Razola.

One wing saves 1,200 ton CO₂ a year

Each wing sail will save around half a million-liter fuel (480,000 liter), equal to 3,000 barrels diesel a year. This represents 1,200 ton CO₂ a year. The calculations are based on wind probabilities along main trading routes, provided by IMO.

“We are proud over this design, which have the potential to revolutionize the shipping industry”, says Niclas Dahl, Managing Director at Oceanbird.

Reduced payback time

Another dimension of sustainability is financial. If we develop a product that drastically reduces emissions from shipping, but shipowners can’t justify the purchase, then we have not made an environmentally friendly product. Therefore, it was important to also reduce the payback time for the ship owners.

“For vessel owners who needs to comply with new emission legislation, for example CII, this solution can’t come soon enough. Not only we, but everyone in shipping, have a sense of urgency. This is a huge step closer in making the Oceanbird concept a reality,” says Niclas Dahl.

Next step

Oceanbird is evaluating different suppliers and will place an order for the first wing sail during the second half of 2022. Prototype testing will take place under 2023. Meanwhile, Oceanbird is investigating solutions for placing wing sails on existing vessels in several shipping segments.

The first vessel with fully wind propulsion, is planned to sail in 2026.