Oceanbird, a joint venture (JV) between Swedish marine technology company Alfa Laval and shipping company Wallenius Lines, has received its first order for wind propulsion from an undisclosed shipowner.
The shipowner placed an order for two Oceanbird Wing 560 wing sails that are contracted for a retrofit installation in Europe in early 2027.
According to Oceanbird, this order fills the first two production slots and marks the beginning of the JV’s commercial journey toward large-scale wind propulsion.
The Wing 560 wing sails are tiltable and tailored for pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), bulkers and tankers over 200 meters, the company said.
“This is a proud moment for everyone involved. It proves that wind propulsion is not just a concept—it’s a viable, scalable solution for sustainable shipping,” said Amrit Kaur Bhullar , CEO of Oceanbird.
“This first order represents more than a technological achievement, it’s a tangible step toward cleaner, smarter ocean transport. By combining Alfa Laval’s engineering expertise with Wallenius’ pioneering spirit, Oceanbird is turning innovation into action and helping the maritime industry move closer to a net-zero future.”
Alfa Laval and Wallenius Lines created the Oceanbird JV in 2021 with the purpose of developing wind propulsion for the shipping industry. According to Oceanbird, one wing sail on an existing vessel can save up 10% of fuel and emissions on optimal routes.