OceanWings: Groundbreaking wind propulsion for maritime transportation

OceanWings is a French company that has developed high-performance rigid wings designed to be installed on cargo ships and yachts. This innovation contributes to the decarbonization of maritime transport. OceanWings are one of the most efficient wind propulsion systems for reducing emissions in the shipping industry. Their innovative double flap system, which optimizes laminar flow, achieves twice the performance of traditional membrane sails of the same size. The company has already conducted an industrial demonstrator with EnergyObserver, operational at sea for 24 months. This resulted in emissions reductions ranging from 20% to 35%. It recently launched a full-size industrial version with Canopée, which will transport Ariane 6 parts for the European Space Agency.

Meeting Growing Sustainability Demands

The global context is highly favorable to wind propulsion. The International Maritime Organization’s regulation requires ships to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2050, leading to penalties for insufficient carbon performance since 2023. Additionally, a European carbon price was implemented in 2024, and increasing fuel prices make wind propulsion solutions more economically viable. OceanWings’ wind propulsion solution is one of the most sea-proven, versatile, and effective in reducing carbon emissions.

Ocean Impact: Cutting GHG emissions of the shipping industry

The shipping sector is responsible for 3% of total GHG emissions. OceanWings contributes to the decarbonization of the industry by cutting fossil fuel consumption. Besides, the solution can be retrofitted to existing vessels or installed on newbuilds, which maximizes its impact.

By optimizing propulsion force, OceanWings can reduce fossil fuel consumption of ships by 5% to 30%, leading to a corresponding decrease in GHG emissions.
OceanWings reduce air pollution from fossil fuel combustion in maritime transport by lowering emissions of Particulate Matter (PM), sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants contribute to acid rain, the greenhouse effect, eutrophication, and pose risks to human health.