Wing sails help propel rocket transport ship

The 121m Canopée has a hybrid propulsion system comprising four 30m high Oceanwings providing a total surface area of 1,452 square metres. These wing sails assist the ship’s main propulsion system to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 30%.

“Shipping is facing new challenges, because it alone is responsible for 5% of greenhouse gases, a figure that is set to double by the year 2050,” explained Marc Van Peteghem, VPLP’s cofounder.

“Pressure from institutions and the general public for clean transport is increasing and stricter regulations are coming into force. We took a fresh look at the specifications, in particular performance and wind-generator mode, with the aim of facilitating operations and reducing fuel consumption,” he added.

Maritime company Alizés, a joint venture between the offshore services specialist Jifmar and Zéphyr & Borée, was awarded the contract by ArianeGroup and VPLP Design was entrusted by Alizés with the task of designing the ship. Designed by VPLP, Oceanwings are automated and reefable soft wings ails associated with a separately developed routing system. New company, Ayro, has been set up for the specific purpose of developing Oceanwings.

Every aspect of Canopée’s design contributes to using less fuel and reducing environmental impact, namely a hull suitable for hybrid propulsion, optimised aero-hydrodynamics, dual fuel engines (LNG and MDO), variable pitch propellers and solar panels to cover onboard energy needs.