Oceanbird, the joint venture between Alfa Laval and Wallenius Lines, has secured its first official sale. An undisclosed shipowner has placed an order for two Oceanbird Wing 560 wing sails that are contracted for a retrofit installation in Europe in early 2027.
This order fills the first two production slots and marks the beginning of Oceanbird’s commercial journey toward large-scale wind propulsion.
‘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,’ says Amrit Kaur Bhullar, CEO, Oceanbird.
This first order represents more than a technological achievement, it’s a tangible step toward cleaner, smarter ocean transport. By combining Alfa Laval’s engineering expertise with Wallenius’ pioneering spirit, Oceanbird is turning innovation into action and helping the maritime industry move closer to a net-zero future.
Also read: VIDEO: AiP for wing sails of wind-powered Oceanbird concept
Oceanbird Wing 560
Oceanbird is a joint venture created in December 2021 by Alfa Laval and Wallenius Lines with the purpose of developing wind propulsion to the shipping industry. Using air pressure to push the vessel forward, one wing sail on an existing vessel, can save up to ten per cent of fuel and emissions on optimal routes.
The Wing 560 is a tiltable rigid wing sail, tailored for PCTCs, bulkers and tankers over 200 metres. It stands 46 metres tall from the foundation to the top. The wing itself is 40 metres high and 14 metres wide. The mast and foundation are made out of carbon steel, and the flap, leading and trailing panels are PET Core and glass fiber composites.
Wing 560 uses minimal power as it is a passive system. Shipowners can expect around 6-10kW per wing sail during normal operation. It is designed with a 25-year lifetime in mind. This means minimal components and minimal maintenance.
Picture: Impression of a retrofitted vessel with an Oceanbird wing sail (image by Oceanbird).
