LD Freight Solutions, VPLP Design and Alwena Shipping to develop wind-assisted container vessel

VPLP Design and Alwena Shipping will work on the development of a wind-assisted and wind-propelled container ship solution for LD Freight Solutions, a subsidiary of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs.

Based on the Trade Wings 2,500 concept for small size container ships of 2,500 TEU, the sustainable shipping solution will be well suited for operations in Europe, Central America, Caribbean Islands and China as well on transatlantic routes.

At present, Bureau Veritas has awarded the preliminary project an Approval in Principle, with the vessel using a hybrid propulsion system made up of a diesel-electric system and a total of six wing sails. To increase sustainability, the diesel-electric system will be designed to run on LNG or methanol fuels.

Based on typical transatlantic operation, the Trade Wings 2,500 concept is estimated to save on average 35% CO₂-equivalent emissions compared to a vessel fitted with a two-stroke engine, a single shaft and no wing sails, traveling at the same speed.

“We are very pleased to establish a partnership with Alwena and VPLP,” said Mathieu Muzeau, transport and logistic general manager, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs. “It is fully aligned with the LDA strategy to accelerate shipping’s decarbonization, and especially linked to the innovations we are implementing such as the use of wind-propulsion systems and alternative fuels.”

“We are continuing the development works to suit LDFS expectations and we expect some project to materialize soon,” added Simon Watin, project lead, VPLP Design.

The Trade Wings 2,500 vessel concept is 197m long, 32m wide and has a deadweight of 32,500 tons.