WW took delivery of its first vessel equipped with solar cells in 2008.

Solar cells have been installed on one WW vessel. This is part of an R&D project being pursued with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to gain experience with and learn more about operating a solar power system and the fuel-saving potential it can give.

To reduce fuel consumption and ensure safer sailing, we have installed a weather routing system on all our ships.

This solution will assist crew in route planning in order to optimise a voyage with the assistance of weather forecasts and information on currents. That will reduce fuel consumption and ensure safer sailing.
 
The weather forecast provider is also part of a high-performance reporting tool which enhances our understanding of when to clean the vessel hull and of making comparisons between sister ships.

WW is developing courses in environmental awareness.

WW has together with a group of environmentally conscious Norwegian shipowners and the Norwegian Training Center in Manila (NTC) started to develop courses in environmental awareness. The first pilot is expected to be conducted during the second quarter of 2010. The next step is to roll out the programme for all WW officers and superintendents.

WW’s ambitious newbuilding programme focuses on efficient vessels prepared for the future.

The first vessel will be delivered in 2011.To secure more advanced vessels, WW has performed extensive tests using models of ro-ro carriers designed to be more fuel and cargo efficient.

Reduced fuel consumption combined with higher cargo capacity cuts emissions per unit of cargo by 10-15% compared with the latest generation of ro-ro vessels. A turbo generator on these vessels will also convert exhaust heat into electricity. Installing a ducktail on its latest generation of car carriers and forthcoming ro-ro vessels will improve the hydrodynamic performance of the hull when the vessel is heavily loaded. Model tests confirm a 1-5% fuel saving, depending on the ship’s draught.

As part of reaching its zero emission vision, WW is constantly exploring opportunities to reduce the impact of its cargo carrying operations.

The group’s concept vessel Orcelle is a zero-emission car carrier using only wind, solar and wave power. The ideas behind Orcelle provide WW’s long-term vision for future vessel design. WW is constantly exploring opportunities for taking advantage of existing technologies inside and outside the industry. Supporting projects related to alternative propulsion systems and fuels are also part of the steps being taken towards realising its vision.