Orcelle Projects

WWL, together with its owners, is currently involved in three projects inspired by the E/S Orcelle concept car carrier. These projects may contribute to making the use of marine renewable energy a reality.

Solar panel project

The purpose of this 10-year pilot project between Wilh. Wilhelmsen and partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is to verify the long-term viability of marine solar energy systems.

Four solar panels are generating electricity onboard the pure car and truck carrier, the MV Toreador, which was christened in 2008.

With a maximum power output of 10 kW, the panels can provide up to 25% of the electricity required for lighting and general purposes in crew quarters. Solar panel use will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated two tonnes per year.

Testing fuel cell technology

A prototype of a methanol-based solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) auxiliary power unit (APU) was prepared for installation in 2008 onboard the MV Undine.

Testing of a 20-kW unit will begin in the summer 2009 and will continue for a period of one year. The trial will help validate the commercial viability of fuel cell technology by providing performance and emissions data under real-life conditions onboard a vessel.

Funded by the European Union, the METHAPU project focuses on SOFC units in the 250 kW class. In addition to Wallenius Marine, METHAPU partners include Det Norske Veritas, Lloyd’s Register, University of Genoa and Wärtsilä.

Generating onboard electricity using waste heat

The next generation of Mark V Ro-Ro vessels operated by WWL will use less bunker oil and generate their own electricity supply at sea, using waste heat from the exhaust gas. The Mark V vessels are the largest in the world, yet also the most efficient and environmentally adapted. Read more