Oceanbird has announced its first multi-wing installation, with two rigid wing sails scheduled to be fitted onto the car-carrier M/V Way Forward in 2027. Chartered by Volkswagen Konzernlogistik and owned by Wallenius Lines, the vessel will use the 40-meter-high sails to build upon the operational success of Oceanbird’s maiden installation on the Tirranna. The collaboration underscores a major milestone for wind-assisted propulsion, aiming to slash fuel consumption and advance zero-emission shipping across commercial trade routes.
Stockholm | September 2, 2026 – Wind propulsion innovator Oceanbird is scaling up its commercial deployment, announcing plans to install two of its rigid wing sails onboard the PCTC M/V Way Forward during 2027.
The upcoming project, chartered by Volkswagen Konzernlogistik, marks Oceanbird’s first-ever multi-wing installation. It follows the successful deployment and ongoing operation of the company’s maiden wing sail on the vessel Tirranna in June 2026, with third-party performance verification scheduled for the autumn.
“It is our first multi-wing installation and an important step towards our vision of a primary wind-powered vessel,” says Oceanbird CEO Amrit Kaur Bhullar. “Oceanbird was created to advance emission-free shipping by providing wing sails that are so powerful that, in a set, could propel the vessel forward on windy routes and cut fuel consumption on the entire journey by half.”
Building on Operational Success
The 6,500-CEU (car equivalent units) M/V Way Forward was built by Wallenius Marine in 2024 and is currently chartered by Volkswagen Konzernlogistik. Having maintained the highest Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating of A during its two years in commercial operation, the multi-fuel vessel (capable of running on LNG, LBG, diesel, and synthetic diesel) will use the 40-meter-high wing sails to further slash greenhouse gas emissions.
Assembly of the next two wing sails is already underway at Oceanbird’s production site in Landskrona, Sweden. The installation will yield vital operational data regarding wind-assisted propulsion in active commercial service.
“We are convinced that wind will be a key fossil-free source of propulsion in the future of shipping,” says Johan Mattsson, CEO of Wallenius Marine. “By installing wing sails on our own vessel, we are taking a tangible step from vision to reality and accelerating our journey towards a more sustainable fleet.”
Cross-Sector Collaboration for Sustainable Logistics
The partnership brings together shipowners, technology providers, and major cargo owners to prove the viability of wind power in deep-sea transport.
“We are delighted to see wind propulsion solutions reach not only the hearts of shipowners, but also charterers,” adds Bhullar. “Innovators like these are leading the change to truly sustainable shipping, and we are proud to be part of that.”
About M/V Way Forward
- Capacity: 6,500 car equivalent units (CEU)
- Year Built: 2024
- Design: Wallenius Marine, Knud E. Hansen
- Owner: Wallenius Lines
- Propulsion/Fuel: Multi-fuel (LNG, LBG, diesel, synthetic diesel)
- Flag State: Sweden
- Employment: Long-term charter to Volkswagen Konzernlogistik
About Oceanbird
Oceanbird develops cutting-edge wind assist and primary wind propulsion solutions for the global shipping industry. Founded as a joint venture between Wallenius Lines and Alfa Laval, the company is dedicated to driving the maritime energy transition by delivering scalable, truly sustainable wind power technologies that dramatically reduce commercial fleet emissions.
Source: Oceanbird