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Wind as main propulsion by ORCELLE

Project description

Wind as a viable option for reaching zero-emission propulsion

Wind-assisted propulsion is a high-potential solution on the path towards decarbonisation. With this in mind, the EU-funded Orcelle project will develop and demonstrate a solution involving wind as the main form of propulsion. Orcelle expects to achieve an energy efficiency gain of more than 50 % (average savings in full-year operation). While engines may be used in situations where there is insufficient wind, energy efficiency gains could reach close to 100 % under ideal sailing conditions. Building on its initial designs of a prototype vessel, the project will now build two physical demonstrators: a 1-wing retrofit (targeting 10 % efficiency gains) and a multi-wing new-build demonstrator (targeting +50 % efficiency gains overall).

Objective

In the ORCELLE project we will develop and demonstrate a solution for wind as main propulsion. With wind as main propulsion we mean an energy efficiency gain of more than 50% as an average saving in full year operation. Under ideal sailing conditions the energy efficiency gains are close to 100%. Engines are only used in situations with insufficient wind resources, for manoeuvring and increased ship safety.

ORCELLE builds on several large previous projects where we have worked to build simulation tools, wing systems and initial designs of a prototype vessel. In this project we combine improvements to the simulation framework and wing systems by building two physical demonstrators: A 1-wing retrofit (targeting 10% efficiency gains) and a multi-wing newbuilt demonstrator (targeting +50% efficiency gains overall). The demonstrators are RoRo (PCTC) vessels that will operate in a trans-Atlantic route transporting cars and other cargo. We have an extensive set of sensor systems onboard the ships which will allow them to function as research vessels to validate & improve designs, simulation tools and prototype designs of ship & wing systems. A tailored, dynamic weather routing software and service will be developed to optimize sailing performance.

The project is a strong opportunity to combine the investments needed to get full scale demonstration and data capture with advanced models and tools for wing propulsion vessels. The project coordinator is Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a world leading RoRo logistics operator with some 130 RoRo vessels in global service. Beyond the demonstrator, we use the models and tools to develop advanced conceptual designs and operational plans for multiple vessel types: Tanker/bulk carriers, shortsea vessels, containerships, cruise and ferries. This forms the basis for our dissemination & exploitation work to enable a large-scale shift towards wind as the main propulsion on a very high percentage of vessels (relevant for 80%+ of the world fleet).

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL5-2022-D5-01

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Coordinator

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean AS
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 844 000,00
Address
Strandveien 20
1366 Lysaker
Norway

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Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 909 000,00

Participants (11)

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