VW Looking to Build and Operate Wind Powered Ro-Ro Car Carrier: Reports

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Friday July 1, 2016

German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen Group (VW) is looking to build and operate the first commercial sailing freighter of the modern era, according to German media.

Reports suggest the project is currently at the prototype phase, and is awaiting board approval to move forward.

While many shipowners would no doubt baulk at carrying the cost and operational uncertainly of such a pioneering project, the ambitious wind-powered car carrier is being seen as part of the company's efforts to rebuild its environmental reputation after it was rocked earlier this year by revelations it cheated on vehicle emissions tests.

Any risks with pursuing the ecoliner idea may therefore be seen as acceptable in the context of the €16.2 billion ($18.0 billion) it has set aside to deal with the scandal.

While VW has declined to comment, German media suggest the project envisions a 170m vessel that would sail between Bremerhaven and Zeebrugge.

While a diesel-electric auxiliary engine would be used for emergencies and port maneuvers, 78m masts using a DynaRig sail system would power the vessel using only the wind for some 80 percent of its journey.

Such technology has already been used in a prototype cargo ship by B9 Shipping, however it is three year old German company Sailing Cargo that is suspected of being involved in the VW project.

Sailing Cargo, who has also declined to comment, lists the "First Sailing Car Carrier worldwide" as one of its "innovations."

Ship & Bunker News Team
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