Oceanbird has secured its first commercial sale after an undisclosed shipowner ordered two Oceanbird Wing 560 wing sails for a retrofit installation in Europe in early 2027, according to company.
The order fills the company’s first two production slots and marks Oceanbird’s shift from development to commercial execution.
The venture said the installation will be carried out as a retrofit, with the vessels, yard and contract value not disclosed.
Oceanbird is a joint venture between Alfa Laval and Wallenius Lines.
The Wing 560 is intended for large ocean-going vessels and is positioned as a near-term efficiency measure that can be deployed without waiting for newbuild deliveries.
Oceanbird was established in December 2021 to develop and commercialise wind-assisted propulsion for deep-sea shipping. The company focuses on rigid wing sail systems designed for both retrofits and newbuildings, with stated aims of reducing fuel consumption and emissions on suitable trading patterns.
Alfa Laval is an industrial engineering group specialising in heat transfer, separation and fluid handling technologies. It is a co-founder of Oceanbird and contributes technical and engineering expertise to the joint venture.
Wallenius Lines is a privately owned shipping company focused on ro-ro and vehicle transport. It is a co-founder of Oceanbird and contributes operational shipping experience to the joint venture.
