WISAMO Michelin

WISAMO – Wing Sail Mobility – is a Michelin Group incubation initiative. Its ambition is to contribute to the de-carbonization of maritime transport by improving the environmental footprint of merchant ships, reducing their fuel consumption and therefore their GHG emissions.
The WISAMO solution is a large inflatable wing, automated and fully retractable thanks to a telescopic mast. The system uses wind propulsion, a free and universal energy source that can be adapted to all types of boats.
The WISAMO team is currently based in Nantes, at the heart of the wind propulsion eco-system, in the Brick buildings.

Sea freight is an important part of Michelin’s logistics. As part of Michelin’s drive to develop innovations for sustainable mobility that go beyond tires, the WISAMO initiative was launched as part of the company’s European Incubation Program. The aim is to offer shipowners and other players in the maritime transport sector an innovative source of propulsion, complementary to traditional engines, using wind energy.
The system can be installed on any type of vessel, as original equipment from the design stage, or retrofitted to vessels already in operation.
The WISAMO solution can be used on major shipping routes, as the wing is effective in a wide spectrum of winds, including upwind. The telescopic mast is retractable, making it easy to enter port, pass under bridges or adapt to adverse weather conditions. Last but not least, the WISAMO wing has little impact on the crew, ensuring continuity of operations.