A contract was signed between OceanWings (ex AYRO) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Caen in Normandy, concessionaire of the Port of Caen-Ouistreham, to locate its production facility for manufacturing its Oceanwings®, a wind propulsion system for maritime transport.
This is the world's first factory dedicated to furlable, reefable and automated wingsail production, a technology breakthrough in the shipping industry.
The production of the four Oceanwings® 363 for the Canopée project will start December 2021 and the delivery is expected end 2022.
Canopée is a 121 meter long ro-ro vessel, designed by naval architect VPLP design and currently being built at the Neptune Marine shipyard. Chartered by Alizée, a joint-venture between Jifmar and Zephyr & Borée, she will be transporting components of the Ariane 6 rocket, Ariane Group, from Europe to French
Guyana.
OceanWings (ex AYRO) will provide over hundred job opportunities in the area, taking advantage of this strategic location to benefit from an ecosystem in its field of expertise.
In the middle of the port area, the plant will also beneficiate from a direct access to the sea and will therefore be particularly suitable to deliver the Oceanwings® to French and European shipyards. The canal from Caen to the sea offers a calm and sheltered stretch of water, with constant level, allowing easy
installation onboard ships.
«We are very proud to get this great opportunity to set up our wingsail production factory in Normandy, and to mark a major milestone in our Oceanwings® industrialization. Benefiting from a dynamic ecosystem and open to the sea, this location will be ideal to serve our clients at best. » said Ludovic Gérard, CEO of OceanWings (ex AYRO).
« With the establishment of the OceanWings (ex AYRO) factory, Caen-Ouistreham cargo-port will be able to participate actively in the economic sector development dedicated to shipping. Innovation, technology, trading and shipping will be at the heart of the project to respond to environmental challenges. » says Michel Collin, CCI of Caen Director.
Download the press release here.
