diff --git a/.gitmodules b/.gitmodules
index 8af91012..8afabc5f 100644
--- a/.gitmodules
+++ b/.gitmodules
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
 [submodule "Parcels"]
 	path = Parcels
 	url = git@github.com:Parcels-code/Parcels.git
+	branch = v4-dev
diff --git a/pixi.toml b/pixi.toml
index d0269768..acb89259 100644
--- a/pixi.toml
+++ b/pixi.toml
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ copernicusmarine = ">=2.2.2"
 yaspin = "*"
 textual = "*"
 virtualship = { path = "." }
+openpyxl = "*"
 
 # deps needed for Parcels # TODO inherit these from Parcels instead
 uxarray = ">=2025.3.0"
@@ -60,7 +61,6 @@ pytest = "*"
 pytest-cov = "*"
 pytest-asyncio = "*"
 seabird = "*"
-openpyxl = "*"
 
 [feature.test.tasks]
 tests = "pytest"