For us, it is crucial that the Oceanbird wing sail always can be tilted down on deck. That was why our Site Manager Björn Ohlsson closely followed the wing´s very first tilt.
A central part of Oceanbird safety philosophy is that Wing 560 always can be tilted down, even in strong winds and during electrical blackouts onboard.
“We see it as an important part for the captain and crew. They must know that they are able to have the wing folded on deck in five minutes. I myself would not want to drive through a storm with a 40-meter-high wing sail up”, says Oceanbird´s Managing Director Niclas Dahl.
The wing tilts automatically when the winds are stronger than 20 meter per second. This is achieved by a variable hydraulic drive which pushes the 8-meter-long cylinders to place the tiltable base into a vertical position.
This procedure will be thoroughly tested during the autumn. At the same time, more parts to the wing sail will arrive in Oceanbird´s test site at Oresund Drydock in Landskrona.
“After the testing of the hydraulic power unit, we will start to assemble the lower steel mast. I really look forward to seeing the structure come alive step by step. It is a great feeling for the whole team”, says Landskrona site Manager Björn Ohlsson.
