Oceanbird Multi-Wing Sails for Car Carrier in 2027 | Mariner News

Oceanbird is set to install its first multi-wing sail system on a car carrier in 2027, advancing the deployment of wind-assisted propulsion technology for commercial shipping. The Swedish firm, a joint venture between Wallenius Lines and Alfa Laval, will fit two wing sails on the 2024-built car carrier Way Forward.

The Way Forward, which is chartered by Volkswagen Konzernlogistik and operated by Wallenius Marine, represents a significant step in the technology’s progression. The installation follows Oceanbird’s initial onboard fitting of a single wing sail on the Tirranna in June 2026, with performance data from that project currently undergoing independent third-party verification this autumn.

This multi-wing configuration is a critical development towards Oceanbird’s vision of primarily wind-powered vessels. According to Oceanbird, a complete set of its wing sails has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to half over an entire journey on windy routes.

The involvement of Volkswagen Konzernlogistik as the charterer signals a growing demand from major cargo owners for demonstrably decarbonized maritime logistics. This commitment to integrating wind propulsion on a relatively new vessel for a significant industry player could accelerate its adoption across the car carrier segment and influence future chartering specifications for eco-friendly tonnage.

The progression from a single-wing installation to a multi-wing system also highlights the methodical scaling and system integration strategy behind the technology, moving beyond initial trials to more complex operational setups.