Michelin’s WISAMO wingsail picked for France’s new offshore patrol boat

The WISAMO wingsail, developed by French manufacturer Michelin, has been selected for France’s new ‘innovative’ offshore patrol vessel with wind-assisted propulsion.

WISAMO has been selected by SOCARENAM shipyard to provide its innovative wingsail solution for a new generation patrol boat, commissioned by the French Directorate of Maritime Affairs, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (DIRECTION DES AFFAIRES MARITIMES).

French shipbuilder SOCARENAM and naval architecture and design office MAURIC received the contract to design and build the vessel last month.

At the heart of the project is WISAMO’s 170-square-meter wingsail, which will work in tandem with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, expected to reduce the vessel’s fuel consumption by 15%, according to Michelin.

The offshore patrol vessel is designed for extended 12-day missions with a crew of 20 persons. The 54-meter-long unit will be equipped with two launch and recovery systems for 6.50-meter fast semi-rigid inflatable boats.

This wind-assisted propulsion technology is expected to contribute to the decarbonization of maritime operations, a step in line with global efforts to curb emissions in the maritime industry.

In addition to its wind-assisted and advanced hybrid propulsion, the patrol ship incorporates several other technological innovations: a hull optimized through computational fluid dynamics, enhanced insulation with optimized energy management, photovoltaic panels, and an active trim control system.

The installation of the WISAMO wingsail is set to take place in early 2027, followed by a series of sea trials.

“This marks our first commercial contract and a significant step forward in our mission to decarbonize maritime transport and mobility,” Michelin noted.

“The trust placed in WISAMO wingsail validates our technological choices and highlights its versatility and adaptability for various types of vessels.”

WISAMO wingsail on a French patrol boat

WATCH HERE