During Movin’On global sustainble mobility summit, Michelin launched two innovations that address major challenges in future mobility. One of them is WISAMO, an inflatable wing sails that can be fitted on merchant ships as well as pleasure craft. This inflatable wing sails harness the wind, a free source of propulsion. Thanks to this revolutionary design, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. WISAMO system is suitable for ro-ro ships, oil/gas tankers, or bulk carriers, it can also be fitted as an original equipment on newbuilds.
WISAMO project team claims that this wing’’s range of use is one of the market’s broadest with proven effectiveness on many points of sail. It features retractable telescopic mast, it’s easy for any ship to enter harbors and makes passes under bridges. Overall, this new system helps improve ship’s fuel efficiency by up to 20%.
In collaboration with Michel Desjoyaux, a world-renowed skipper and ambassador of project, Michelin’s research teams have perfected its development. Through his input and technological knowledge, this seasoned sailor allows WISAMO to be tested in actual maritime shipping conditions. Wind energy is clean, free, and non-controversial, it promises to improve environmental impact of merchant ships.
WISAMO Inflatable Wing Sails project is part of Michelin’s project to support greener maritime mobility in advance of future regulations. WISAMO System is planned to be fitted first on a merchant ship in 2022.