Alewijnse signs contract with Piriou for four additional vessels in the world’s largest fleet of sailing cargo ships

Alewijnse has signed a contract with French shipbuilder Piriou to integrate electrical systems on four new sail cargo vessels, part of the world's largest fleet of sailing cargo ships. The Phenix-class vessels, developed by shipping company TransOceanic Wind Transport (NEWTOWT), utilize hybrid propulsion and automated soft-rigging sails derived from ocean racing technology.

These innovative shipping methods, which have been in use for millennia, are particularly relevant in light of the European Commission's goal to reduce CO₂ emissions by 90% by 2040.

The 80.36-meter long Phenix-class ships primarily rely on sails for propulsion, generating electricity through hydro-generation as they move through the water. This renewable energy source, free and nearly always available at sea, has no emissions. Fossil fuel is only used as an emergency backup when the electrical energy supply is exhausted.

Alewijnse's project manager, Ionut Melescanu, oversees the complex electrical system integration, utilizing their 135 years of expertise in engineering, supply, installation, and commissioning of electrical systems. This includes switchboard production and commissioning at the sites where the ships are built. The company's close proximity to the construction sites in Romania and Vietnam also provides local content knowledge, further enhancing the project.

Piriou's Head of Strategic Procurement, Julien Florance, commends Alewijnse's professionalism and pragmatic approach, expressing appreciation for their collaboration and looking forward to future partnerships.