In a groundbreaking move towards greener maritime operations, the RO-RO vessel “CANOPEE,” owned by Alizés, has recently undergone a transformation that is set to reshape the industry’s approach to propulsion. This innovative leap comes in the form of four colossal wing sails, aptly named “Ocean Wings,” installed on the vessel by the French company AYRO. The installation of these Ocean Wings not only marks a significant stride in sustainable shipping but also signals a pivotal shift towards reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
Rising to an impressive 30 meters in height and spanning a vast area of 363 square meters, each Ocean Wing stands as a testament to modern engineering marvels. These monumental wing sails are not just ornamental additions; they serve as a robust auxiliary propulsion system, with the potential to cut down the ship’s emissions by a staggering 30%. By harnessing the power of wind energy, these wings aim to curtail fuel consumption, subsequently leading to a substantial decrease in CO2, Sox, and Nox compounds emissions.
The anticipated impact of the Ocean Wings is poised to be remarkable, with expectations of a 30% reduction in the vessel’s fuel usage. The Canopée itself boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 121 meters in length, 22 meters in width, and possessing a draft of 4.3 meters. Despite its considerable size, this vessel can comfortably house up to 22 individuals and is engineered to reach a maximum speed of 16.5 knots.
The driving forces behind this innovative propulsion upgrade are Alizés, the shipowner, and AYRO, the French company spearheading the development of the Ocean Wings. Alizés, a joint venture between Zéphyr & Borée and JIFMAR Offshore Services, has a notable track record, securing a significant contract for the maritime transport of the Ariane 6 space launcher in 2019. This milestone prompted the creation of the purpose-built Canopée vessel, perfectly tailored to the intricate demands of the launcher’s transportation.
The wings of this transformational project also extend to AYRO, which secured the Approval in Principle (AiP) for the wind propulsion system from the esteemed classification society DNV in 2021. Collaboratively, Gurit European & New Zealand Engineering played a pivotal role in developing the Oceanwings 363 project in tandem with AYRO, solidifying the vision of a more sustainable maritime future.
As the maritime industry embraces these monumental strides towards greener practices, the Ocean Wings initiative on the RO-RO Canopée stands as a beacon of innovation and inspiration. It exemplifies how harnessing the power of wind can lead to a transformative reduction in emissions, setting a new course towards sustainable propulsion and a brighter future for maritime logistics.
