Setting sail for the future
Creating a few waves in the Nordic Pavilion at the World Exposition 2005 will be a concept model of the E/S Orcelle, Wallenius Wilhelmsen's vision of a zero emission car carrier for the year 2025.
Designed for a future where
diminished fossil fuels and increasing
environmental responsibility have
become important business drivers,
the concept vessel would have a
capacity of 10,000 standard cars and
would use only renewable energy
sources and naturally-charged fuel
cells for power. The innovative vessel
is named in honour of the Orcelle
dolphin, currently high on the WWF's
endangered species list.
"The concept vessel does not release any emissions into the atmosphere or the ocean. It utilises the three main energy sources available at sea: wind, sun and waves," describes Per Brinchmann, Naval Architect, Barber Marine Consultants. "Besides picking up wind energy, its large sails generate electricity using solar cells fitted to their entire surface. A system of horizontal fins will also make use of wave energy," he explains. Built as a pentamaran, the E/S Orcelle's main hull and four sponsons provide stability and eliminate the need for ballast water, another key environmental concern.
"We saw the opportunity to present our vision for the year 2025 in the shape of a concept car carrier. Although a carrier like this will never be built in entirety, we hope to see its elements in future vessels." comments Nils P Dyvik, Chief Executive Officer, Wallenius Wilhelmsen.