Container ship design combines wind and methanol power

The partnership was established this year in response to a call for tenders for such vessel from the France-based Association of Freight Transport Users (AUTF).

The proposal is named Williwaw (a sudden blast of wind descending from a mountainous coast to the sea), and the design is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 50% compared to conventional market standard transport solutions.

Project Williwaw will make use of an optimized hull shape. The superstructure will be located forward and is designed so that the six large-area wing sails can be used with the highest efficiency. Besides the wing sails, a methanol-based propulsion system will be used.

The designers say that, combined with other smart design features, it will be the most efficient container vessel sailing.

Acceptance of the tender was announced at the end of July, and the companies expect that at least 10 vessels will be required.