Oceanbird, a joint venture between car carrier operator Wallenius and technology group Alfa Laval, has completed the first at-sea installation of its wind propulsion system. The rigid wing sail was installed aboard Wallenius Wilhelmsen's vehicle and cargo carrier Tirranna.
Oceanbird CEO Amrit Bhullar said the installation proceeded without any issues. According to her, it marked an important achievement for the team, which was fully involved in delivering the project.
Automated Sail with No Rotating Parts
The Oceanbird system is designed to improve vessels' energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption by harnessing wind power. The sail's design contains no fans or rotating parts requiring additional maintenance. Another feature of the system is its virtually silent operation.
The wing is fully automated and does not require the crew to operate it like a traditional sail. Oceanbird expects the technology to be particularly attractive for large oceangoing vessels operating on routes with suitable wind conditions.
Bhullar emphasized, however, that there is no universal wind propulsion solution. The choice of technology depends on the vessel's type and size, its operating profile, and its route. Compact systems, including some suction-wing installations, serve their own niche, while Oceanbird's large sails are designed for the deep-sea fleet.
Support Through Alfa Laval's Network
Bhullar cited access to Alfa Laval's global service network as one of Oceanbird's advantages. This means the manufacturer does not need to build its own service infrastructure or engage third-party contractors. Shipowners will be able to receive technical support in the regions where their vessels operate.
Bhullar believes that the combination of tangible fuel savings, improved energy efficiency, a simple design, and accessible international service will enable Oceanbird to secure a leading position in the market. Looking ahead, she also believes the industry could return to fully wind-powered propulsion.
Executive Experience in Maritime Innovation
Before joining Oceanbird, Amrit Bhullar worked as a corporate lawyer specializing in mergers and acquisitions, and in 2010 she joined Rolls-Royce Marine in Ålesund. There, she worked on the commercialization of innovative projects, including an ambitious program to build 12 ferries for Washington State Ferries and early generations of liquefied natural gas fuel systems.
Following Kongsberg Maritime's acquisition of Rolls-Royce Marine, Bhullar was involved in the commercial aspects of projects involving a remotely operated tugboat in Copenhagen and the first autonomous ferry demonstration in Finland. Later, at Vard, she was responsible for non-standard projects, including the first vessel to receive an approved cybersecurity class notation under new requirements.
GLOAPM.COM