By the end of 2023, Oceanbird will assemble a land-based, 40m-high prototype wing sail to test functionality of the system while also delivering crew training and developing automation of the wing sails.
The parts required for two wing sails will be supplied to Swedish shipyard Oresund DryDocks in Landskrona where the prototype of the Oceanbird Wing 560 will be assembled.
“Oceanbird has done extensive computer simulations and model tests, but now we get to test our design for real for the first time,” said Jonas Alván, senior product manager at Oceanbird. “We chose Oresund Drydocks to benefit from their shipyard experience and the coastal location. Additionally, all the practical necessities are there.”
Following completion of the first wing sail at the shipyard, Oceanbird will install the second wing on an existing vessel in the middle of 2024 as part of the EU-funded project Orcelle Horizon.
“Oresund DryDocks is extremely proud to be part of the Oceanbird project,” explained Peter Andersson, vice president, Oresund DryDocks. “We see it as an important step toward the zero-emission vision when the world’s combined fleet moves toward fossil-free propulsion.”
“I am happy to be able to welcome Oceanbird’s wing sail prototype to Landskrona,” said Torkild Strandberg, chairman of the municipal board in Landskrona. “Landskrona has its roots and its history in shipping and the shipbuilding industry – while the future requires innovations just like this to meet the climate challenge.”