As a Naval Architect at Wallenius Marine, Erik Blackert is working to realize the vision of zero-emission shipping. Today, he also has the opportunity to combine his work with research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology — a combination of theory and practice that he sees great value in.
Wind-powered vessels will play a significant role in the transition toward more sustainable shipping, according to Naval Architect Erik Blackert.
“I believe wing sails are a technical solution we’ll see on many ships in the future. They won’t be suitable for all vessel types, but where they do fit, the potential savings — both economic and environmental — are substantial,” says Erik Blackert.
Erik Blackert joined Wallenius Marine just over four years ago through the Lighthouse trainee program. His role as a Naval Architect includes concept development for new vessels, drawing reviews, performance calculations and quality assurance.
“At Wallenius you get the chance to work across a broad range of project stages — from the smallest details to developing entire concepts. We’re encouraged to think outside the box and challenge conventional technologies as we continuously strive toward more sustainable shipping.”
Designing vessels of the future
In his work to develop the vessels of the future, he places a special focus on wind propulsion. Erik Blackert has been involved in the development of Orcelle Wind — the world’s first full-scale wind-powered cargo vessel. The hope is that the vessel’s wing sails will significantly reduce, or even eliminate, the need for fossil fuels in the future — a vision fully aligned with Wallenius Marine’s goal of truly emission-free shipping.
“The vessel concept is essentially complete. Right now, we’re evaluating and testing the wing on land, and then we’ll move on to mounting it on a ship.”
Orcelle Wind is a project that clearly demonstrates Wallenius Marine’s ambition to lead the way in sustainable innovation. Being part of a company that drives real change is something Erik Blackert values deeply.
“I’m proud to work at a company with a strong future vision, one that’s willing to invest in development that benefits both the environment and the quality of the vessels we design.”
Combining both Office and Lab: Bridging Work and Research
For the past year, Erik Blackert has combined his work at Wallenius Marine with research at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology (KTH).
“I’m an industrial PhD student focusing on wind-powered cargo vessels, specifically on the interaction between the sails and the ship’s hull.”
The theories he develops at KTH can be tested directly in practice at Wallenius Marine — and vice versa. For Erik Blackert it’s clear that the maritime industry is on the verge of major transformation.
“In addition to wind propulsion, the choice of fuel will also be crucial. Regardless of which fuel we use, sails can always contribute to reduced consumption and lower emissions.”
What’s it like to be part of a team working to transform an entire industry?
“It’s fantastic! I never have to feel embarrassed about what I do for a living — I genuinely feel like I’m part of something that’s making a big difference.”
