Mercedes-Benz and Wallenius Wilhelmsen have signed a letter of intent (LoI) initiating the ‘Orcelle Wind’ project, which aims to develop a concept for a dedicated car-carrier, that uses wind as its main propulsion form, thereby significantly reducing emissions, and aims to set sail within 2027.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen CCO Pia Synnerman said: “To succeed in zero emissions, we need partnerships. I am glad that Mercedes-Benz will join us on this journey, We know there are challenges ahead and we know we have to take risky decisions to succeed. That is why we need partners whom we can trust, want to give and take, so that we are able to learn.”
The Orcelle Wind project is a project in which Wallenius Wilhelmsen, together with other partners, will invest in learning and development. The project has received €9m of EU funding to support continued research.
Synnerman said: “This is an incredibly complex project, with its own uncertainties but next year we’ll start live testing by installing a sail on land and on one of our existing vessels, and this is an important milestone. Going forward we will transform the way we work as a company and how we work with customers. We will invest in technology that will help us deliver a greener product both on land and at sea. Our role in the supply chain will transform to accompany the green shift and our partners with their needs. such as electrical cars.”
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has set a goal to deliver zero-emission services by the end of 2027. The company has invested in terminals with zero emissions, such as the Orcelle terminal, and is working to reduce emissions on the existing fleet, in the search for new fuel solutions.
Synnerman concluded: “We go all in – and that is what excites me with this company and why I want to be a part of this. Yes, I had to really think this through but when I learned that this is a company that really wants to turn this around, I had no doubt. Being part of solving this problem is very motivating.”
