Oceanbird, the wind-propulsion joint venture between Sweden-based engineering firm Alfa Laval and shipowner Wallenius Lines, has secured its first commercial order, marking a key step in bringing large-scale wind technology to market.
An undisclosed shipowner has ordered two Oceanbird Wing 560 wing sails for retrofit installation in Europe in early 2027, the company said. The order fills the first two production slots and signals the start of Oceanbird’s commercial rollout.
“This is a proud moment for everyone involved. It proves that wind propulsion is not just a concept—it’s a viable, scalable solution for sustainable shipping”, said Amrit Kaur Bhullar, CEO of Oceanbird.
The company said the order represents a tangible step towards lower-emission shipping, combining Alfa Laval’s engineering capabilities with Wallenius Lines’ experience in vessel operations.
Oceanbird was established in December 2021 to develop wind-assisted propulsion systems for the maritime sector. Its rigid wing sails harness air pressure to generate forward thrust, reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions when deployed alongside conventional propulsion.
