Project description
Wind as a viable option for reaching zero-emission propulsion
Wind-assisted propulsion is a high-potential solution on the path towards decarbonisation. With this in mind, the EU-funded Orcelle project will develop and demonstrate a solution involving wind as the main form of propulsion. Orcelle expects to achieve an energy efficiency gain of more than 50 % (average savings in full-year operation). While engines may be used in situations where there is insufficient wind, energy efficiency gains could reach close to 100 % under ideal sailing conditions. Building on its initial designs of a prototype vessel, the project will now build two physical demonstrators: a 1-wing retrofit (targeting 10 % efficiency gains) and a multi-wing new-build demonstrator (targeting +50 % efficiency gains overall).
Objective
The Orcelle project is a flagship innovation project preparing the ground for wind as the primary propulsion source in deep-sea shipping. At the heart of the project lies a bold ambition: to enable a new generation of large RoRo vessels where wind provides more than 50 percent of total annual propulsion energy, and under ideal conditions, up to 100 percent of propulsion power during full sailing days. The goal is to drastically reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining operational flexibility and commercial viability.
To achieve this, the project brings together advanced simulation tools, digital platforms, control systems, and vessel design with real-world operational experience from a wing system. We are not only developing the concept, we are demonstrating it at sea.
A key achievement of Orcelle is the full-scale wind propulsion demonstrator on board Tirranna, a vessel in Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s global fleet. This one-wing retrofit, targeting 10 percent energy efficiency gains, is equipped with a comprehensive sensor suite and control system. It serves as a testbed for validating wing performance, automation, safety procedures, and dynamic weather routing strategies under real operating conditions across global trade routes.
The knowledge and data generated through this demonstration directly inform the ongoing development of Orcelle Wind, a multi-wing newbuild vessel design. While construction of this vessel lies outside the current project scope, we are delivering a complete, class-compliant design by the end of the project. This includes simulation-based performance validation, risk mitigation measures, and operational modelling, providing all the necessary tools and insight for a future investment decision by the shipowner.
To support this, the project also includes
Weather routing and voyage planning system to optimize wind-assisted performance
Simulation model validation based on real-world data from Tirranna
Business case framework and exploitation strategy to scale the concept across vessel types
Orcelle Horizon is coordinated by Maritime CleanTech, with strategic and operational leadership from Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a global frontrunner in RoRo logistics. The project builds on years of earlier research and development and leverages a powerful consortium of industry, academia, and innovation partners.
Beyond the retrofit and design work, Orcelle Horizon is developing conceptual wind-powered designs and operational strategies for other vessel types including tankers, bulkers, shortsea ships, ferries, and container vessels. These concepts will enable replication and scale-up, supporting a future in which wind propulsion plays a primary role across more than 80 percent of the global fleet.
By supporting the Orcelle project, the EU is investing in a concrete, scalable, and high-impact solution that delivers deep emission cuts, innovation capacity, and commercial readiness for a cleaner maritime future.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering control systems
- engineering and technology environmental engineering ecosystem-based management climatic change mitigation
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software software applications simulation software
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.5.7 - Clean, Safe and Accessible Transport and Mobility
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HORIZON.2.5.6 - Industrial Competitiveness in Transport
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL5-2022-D5-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
5412 Stord
Norway
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.