New Delhi, February 18, 2021: The Orcelle Wind project’s specifications are not yet finalised, but the company gave indicative specifications of a 7,000-vehicle capacity, flexibility to carry breakbulk cargo and heavy machinery, and a length of around 220 metres.
The company cited regulatory pressure and the expectations of its stakeholders as driving forces behind the project, with a need to align commercial and sustainability goals.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen said it has extensively mapped port restrictions for the project, with a goal of operating and trading globally. The company has yet to decide whether wind-powered vessels will be part of its existing fleet or a separate operation, but it will focus on Atlantic and Pacific routes during development as they believe those routes hold the best emissions reduction potential.
One key compromise in the vessel’s offering is its speed, with expected speeds of 10-12 knots under sail, speeds not disimilar to a 19th century clipper class merchant saling vessel. The company sees opportunities elsewhere within the supply chain to minimise the impact of slower ocean transits, by focusing on bottlenecks in the current “hurry up and wait” system where each part of the logistics chain rushes vehicles through only for them to sit in storage.
Erik Noeklebye, EVP & COO Shipping Services said “The standard service speed will be reduced from current conventional vessels. We will not be able to tackle the climate challenge that is already upon us without thinking differently about how we plan and operate supply chains.