Sweden's Wallenius Marine has unveiled a potentially revolutionary new design for a wind-powered car carrier.
The shipowner said a commercial launch is being planned for the end of 2024.
The 200-metre Oceanbird will carry up to 7,000 cars across the Atlantic in 12 days, emitting 90% less CO2 compared with a conventional ship.
A a regular car carrier would complete the voyage in eight days.
"This will of course challenge our habits and when this vessel will be in the ocean sailing, it will be an odd bird," Wallenius Marine chief operating officer Per Tunell said.
The Oceanbird will be 105 metres high when its five 80-metre sails are fully unfurled.
Plane inspiration
"The technology of the wing sails is quite similar to aeroplane wings," added Wallenius Marine architect Carl-Johan Soder.
The 90% emissions reduction estimate is based on an average speed of 10 knots.
The Oceanbird is not completely fuel free, however. It will use a normal engine for operating in port or when the wind dies down.
As for price, Wallenius is saying the vessel will be slightly more expensive than conventional rivals.
The Swedish group is working with KTH Royal Institute of Technology and shipping consultancy SSPA Sweden on the project, with financing coming in part from the Swedish Transport Administration.
Wind power is gaining traction among owners as a solution to shipping's decarbonisation needs, ranging from sailing ships drawing on the clipper designs of the past, to more modern rotor-sail retrofitting for cargo vessels.
Soder said: "Our design features a unique combination where the hull and rigs work together as one unit and has been specifically optimised for sailing the oceans."
Richard Jeppsson, Wallenius' vice president of commercial and partnership for the Oceanbird project, added that the development project is quite advanced.
"We have started testing with seven-metre models in open water recently, and will continue this fall. The design will be ready for orders in 2021 and we are aiming for a possible launch in 2024," he said.
French company Neoline is hoping to have a sail-powered ro-ro carrying cars across the Atlantic by the end of next year.
