“Wind is an opportunity we must seize now. There’s simply no time to waste in phasing out fossil fuels.”
The Oceanbird concept wasn’t invented overnight. After a decade of analyzing different paths and strong partnerships, we are finally getting closer to the vision of truly sustainable shipping.
The story of Oceanbird started over ten years ago with a road map at Wallenius Marine to eliminate emissions from shipping, called the ZERO emission project. The conclusion from the project was that emission-free shipping can be only realized through a combination of:
Reduced energy consumption
Emission-free energy sources (wind, sun, waves)
Emission neutral energy carriers (biofuels, synthetic fuel, batteries)
The two established Swedish companies Alfa Laval and Wallenius have joined forces to radically reduce the marine industry’s carbon footprint. The 50/50 joint venture formally called AlfaWall Oceanbird, will develop and provide technology for wind-powered vessel propulsion.
Alfa Laval and Wallenius are familiar partners in developing groundbreaking technology. The companies have collaborated before on PureBallast, which is one of today’s leading solutions for chemical-free ballast water treatment. Niclas Dahl headed the development and launch of PureBallast and is now Managing Director of Oceanbird.
“COP26 put the need for accessible technology in the spotlight,” says Niclas Dahl. “Decarbonizing shipping is imperative, and the wind is a free source of power with a substantial role to play and minimum need of infrastructure.”
“Wind is an opportunity we must seize now. There’s simply no time to waste in phasing out fossil fuels.”
Alfa Laval, a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation, and fluid handling, is active in the areas of Energy, Marine, and Food & Water, offering its expertise, products, and service to a wide range of industries in some 100 countries. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets.
Wallenius with headquarter in Stockholm has been a frontrunner in the global shipping industry since 1934. The company offers a complete and sustainable shipping service – from innovative design to ship management. With a long-term perspective and an integrated way of working, operational feedback is used to enhance performance and optimize the design of the next generation of vessels.
