Wallenius Marine conducts design tests for ‘world’s first’ wind-powered PCTC

Swedish ship design and ship management company Wallenius Marine has conducted a series of tests to validate the design for a wind-powered pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).

As disclosed, the tests were carried out in collaboration with Swedish institute RISE, local university KTH, and Oceanbird, a joint venture between Alfa Laval and Wallenius, in Gothenburg. These tests will not only confirm the design but also contribute to the development of new data simulation models for wind-powered ships, Wallenius Marine noted.

“We are currently at a central stage in the design process where we want to ensure that our design meets all technical and operational requirements before we finalise the tender design,” said Carl Fagergren, Senior Project Manager at Wallenius Marine.

The trails are being performed by RISE’s Maritime Department (former SSPA), which has also constructed a 5×2 meter model using advanced technology.

The model weighs 1.2 tons and is used to simulate the full aerodynamic performance of the ship in the wind tunnel.

Previously, wing sails have been tested independently without a hull, but this combination of hull and multiple wings in a large tunnel with a full-scale model makes this test “unique”, Wallenius Marine stated.

Specifically, these rounds of tests include:

• The interaction between the vessel’s hull and six high-tech wing sails;
• Testing the optimal distance between hull and wing for maximum performance;
• Testing three different types of command bridges and their impact on the vessel’s performance;
• How “off-design conditions” affect the ship’s operation, such as when a wing sail is positioned at the wrong angle or location;
• Data for the development of wing control systems.

The next important step is during 2025 when the Oceanbird wing sail will be tested live aboard Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s vessel Tiranna.