|
2 September 2026 Wallenius Lines is taking the next step in the development of wind-assisted propulsion by installing two Oceanbird wing sails on the car carrier Way Forward. The installation is planned for 2027 and marks an important milestone in evaluating the technology under commercial operating conditions. Developed by Oceanbird, the wing sails will be tested in real-world operations on transatlantic routes. The objective is to build knowledge on how wind propulsion can help reduce fuel consumption and emissions in shipping. By installing and testing wing sails, we are taking a major step toward realizing a vision we have been working on for many years. We see significant potential for wind to become an important part of the future of shipping, says Erik Nøklebye, CEO of Wallenius Lines. 
Image by Wallenius Lines
"Our goal is to test the technology at full scale and contribute to its continued development. By combining design, technology and operations in a commercial vessel, we can generate knowledge that is valuable both for our own business and for the wider transformation of shipping," says Erik Nøklebye. Way Forward is a 200-metre car carrier operating in Europe and on North Atlantic routes between Europe and North America. Once the wing sails are installed, Way Forward will become one of the first large commercial car carriers to use modern wind propulsion technology as part of her energy-saving strategy. Wallenius Lines- press release 
|
