The Orcelle Project – Towards Wind-Powered Ships for Deep Sea Cargo Transport

Abstract International regulations on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as strong market demand for zero-emission transport calls for a radical change in the shipping industry. Measures such as hull form optimization, use of alternative fuels and efficient machinery systems, new coatings, and smart routing have already improved the energy efficiency of the world fleet. However, it is far from enough. To effectively respond to the climate challenges, we must turn to emission-free energy sources . One such promising and well-proven zero-emission propulsion system for shipping is wind propulsion. Using wind to power cargo vessels re-started on a commercial scale about a decade ago and there are today more than 50 wind-assisted vessels in commercial trade or under construction. They are equipped with a variety of wind propulsion technologies like Flettner rotors, wing sails and kites, which may give fuel and emission reductions of up to about 20%. With the goal of demonstrating that even higher energy and emission reduction is feasible, 11 representatives of the European maritime industry and research community have recently joined forces in the large-scale EU-funded project Orcelle, led by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean. The present paper outlines the project’s ambition, scope of work and expected outcome.