MN Pélican, seen at Poole, is the first ship to be fitted with Michelin’s experimental wing sail system. KEVIN MITCHELL
FERRY TECHNOLOGY
A ro-ro freight ferry linking the UK and Spain was retrofitted with an experimental wing sail during her October overhaul at the Astilleros shipyard in Santander, Spain. As part of Michelin’s Wing Sail Mobility (WISAMO) project, MN Pélican (1999/12,076gt) is the first merchant ship to be fitted with the prototype automated inflatable and retractable 100m2 wing sail.
By harnessing wind power the company estimates fuel savings of up to 20 per cent, and the installation will enable Michelin to test the WISAMO concept in winter Bay of Biscay sea conditions. Currently, 21 large commercial vessels have wind propulsion systems installed on board.