Maritime transport is an essential link in the global economy. Today, more than 100,000 ships criss-cross the world’s ocean. Unfortunately, the sector is also responsible for more than 3% of global CO₂ emissions Faced with this challenge, Brittany-based start-up Cormoran has developed a concept of rigid solar wings for shipowners. The modular wings, ranging from 10 to 500m2, rotate according to the wind and automatically lay fiat when the ship is in port. Robust and efficient, they adapt to all types of vessels. By reducing fossil fuel consumption, they actively contribute to the decarbonization of maritime transport. Approved by Bureau Veritas, this technology will equip th Captain Arctic of the Selar company in 2026, ushering in a new era of maritime transport combining innovation and sustainability. Cormoran also offers a solution for existing ships : a system installed on the vessel's sides, designed to accommodate wind-assisted propulsion technology when deck space is limited.

The Environmental Benefits

• •Our solar wings use the power of both wind and sun to help ships move — cutting fuel use and pollution without changing the ship’s design.
• •The wings automatically adjust to the wind’s direction and fold flat when not in use, making them safe and easy to operate even in busy ports.
• •Special marine-grade solar panels generate clean electricity on board, reducing emissions even when the ship is docked or sailing.
• •Cormoran’s solution reduces greenhouse gas emissions by cutting direct fuel consumption and generating clean energy, avoiding up to 1,5 tons of fuel per ship each day.
• •Our rigid solar wings and wind propulsion produce clean energy without burning any fuel, eliminating harmful emissions like sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter during operation.
• •Cormoran’s solar wings reduce fuel use and generate clean energy, cutting up to 1,5 tons of fuel per ship per day.
• •By lowering fuel consumption and eliminating oil leaks and exhaust pollution, our solution reduces harm to marine life and preserves ocean biodiversity.

The Financial Benefits

• •Cormoran’s solar wings reduce fuel consumption by up to 427 tons per year, saving shipowners hundreds of thousands of euros annually on diesel costs.
• •By reducing engine use, the solution lowers maintenance expenses, leading to a lower total cost of ownership over the ship’s lifetime compared to diesel-only vessels.

Target client profile

• Business

Activity Region

• Headquarters
• Activity

Company Profile

Cormoran

Brittany-based start-up Cormoran has developed a concept of rigid solar wings for shipowners to propel merchant ships.

Headquarters 56100 Lorient, France

Type Startup or self-employed

View company profile Solution website

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