Significant Advances in Oceanwings® Design Tools within the Optiwise Project
Date
May 23 2025
Reading time
2minutes
The Optiwise project has achieved major milestones in the development of advanced design tools for the Oceanwings® wind propulsion system. By integrating CFD and FSI methodologies, the team has significantly improved predictions of aerodynamic behaviour and structural performance of the OW363 wing under real-world conditions.
Wind tunnel tests validated CFD results, though some discrepancies in stall behaviour suggest further refinement is needed. Future work will focus on unsteady solvers and advanced turbulence models. In parallel, Work Package 3 demonstrated the importance of intelligent control systems. Findings showed that constant-speed propulsion control strategies led to notable energy savings, while filtering optimal sail angles often reduced efficiency. A simulation platform was also developed to test the Oceanwings® user interface in a virtual environment. Feedback from these tests led to UI improvements, confirming the system’s ease of use and readiness for broader adoption.
These advances lay a strong foundation for the next generation of Oceanwings® systems, supporting the transition to sustainable, wind-assisted maritime transport.
Read the complete press release.
About the Project
Horizon Europe project OPTIWISE will develop and employ holistic design and control methods for ground-breaking new ship concepts, utilising wind propulsion while considering realistic operational scenarios. Optiwise receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research programme under grant agreement No. 101056769.
Learn more about the project or contact MARIN project coordinator Rogier Eggers.
Wind tunnel tests validated CFD results, though some discrepancies in stall behaviour suggest further refinement is needed. Future work will focus on unsteady solvers and advanced turbulence models. In parallel, Work Package 3 demonstrated the importance of intelligent control systems. Findings showed that constant-speed propulsion control strategies led to notable energy savings, while filtering optimal sail angles often reduced efficiency. A simulation platform was also developed to test the Oceanwings® user interface in a virtual environment. Feedback from these tests led to UI improvements, confirming the system’s ease of use and readiness for broader adoption.
These advances lay a strong foundation for the next generation of Oceanwings® systems, supporting the transition to sustainable, wind-assisted maritime transport.
Read the complete press release.
About the Project
Horizon Europe project OPTIWISE will develop and employ holistic design and control methods for ground-breaking new ship concepts, utilising wind propulsion while considering realistic operational scenarios. Optiwise receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research programme under grant agreement No. 101056769.
Learn more about the project or contact MARIN project coordinator Rogier Eggers.
