Wallenius Marine Tests Groundbreaking Ship Design For World's First Wind-Powered PCTC Vessel

Wallenius Marine, part of the Soya Group is performing advanced wind tunnel tests to realise the first wind-powered PCTC or Pure Car and Truck Carrier Ship in the world.

The tests are being conducted at one of the most advanced wind tunnels in Europe, located in Gothenburg which witnesses wind speeds of around 250 kilometres per hour.

Experts from KTH, RISE and Oceanbird have arrived at the site to carry out these tests which would not only validate the new design for the wind-driven PCTC ships but also focus on developing new data simulation models for wind-powered vessels.

The tests comprise-

recording interactions between the ship’s hull and 6 wing sails.
Testing the optimal distance between hull and wing for optimum performance.
Testing the 3 command bridges and their impact on the performance of the vessel.
Observing how off-design conditions affect the operation of the ship, like when a sail is at the wrong location or angle.
Gathering data for developing wing control systems.

RISE Maritime Department, earlier called SSPA is conducting the tests. It has also built a 5*2 metre model weighing 1.2 tonnes that will simulate the aerodynamic performance of the vessel in the wind tunnel.

Earlier, the wind sails were tested without a hull but the combination of hull and wings in a tunnel with full-scale models makes the tests unique.

Carl Fagergren, Senior Project Manager at Wallenius Marine stated that the team is presently at the central stage in the designing process where they wish to ensure that the design meets all the operational and technical requirements before it is finalised.

Per experts, the hull and multi-wing wind tunnel tests are a milestone in developing wind-powered PCTC Ships.

The next milestone will be achieved in 2025 when Oceanbird Wing Sail will be tested live aboard Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Ship, the TIRRANNA.

References: Shippax, Newsroom

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