Oceanbird announced the first installation of its rigid wing on Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s PCTC Tirranna as it works to commercialize wind propulsion. The company also unveiled plans to expand its automated solutions for PCTCs within 5 years.
Oceanbird CEO Amrit Bhullar revealed that the company had completed the field installation of its first rigid wing on Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s PCTC Tirranna, demonstrating progress in its wind-assisted propulsion technology. This marks a new stage in efforts to apply wind-only propulsion to commercial vessels.
Bhullar reflected on his career, explaining how he moved from a legal career in London into the maritime sector and became involved in commercializing Oceanbird through his experience at Rolls-Royce Marine and Kongsberg Maritime.
As part of its long-term strategy, the company plans to provide a fully automated solution for PCTCs within the next 5 years and expand its application to ro-ro vessels and tankers. It also plans to expand wind-assisted propulsion to around 100 additional vessels by the end of 2027.
On production, the company emphasized that delivery of 2 wings is progressing through a combination of its Landskrona facility in Sweden and its China facility, while making use of Alfa Laval’s supply chain. Oceanbird does not own production facilities and plans to handle design and deployment close to its customers.