A recent voyage marked a significant milestone in maritime history as a cargo ship embarked from France to New York, carrying a considerable load of champagne, wine, and cognac. This journey was notable for being the first large-scale crossing of the Atlantic that relied predominantly on wind power in almost a century.
The initiative, spearheaded by the French startup TOWT (TransOceanic Wind Transport), presents an innovative approach to sustainable shipping. According to the cofounder, Guillaume Le Grand, advancements in meteorological modeling and satellite technology have transformed wind into a dependable means of propulsion, positioning sailing cargo ships as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based container vessels.
This isn’t a traditional sailing ship
The Anemos stands apart from conventional sailing vessels by incorporating advanced design features and technology. Drawing inspiration from racing sailboats, its masts are constructed from carbon fiber, significantly reducing weight. This allows the masts to reach greater heights compared to traditional wooden versions, enabling the ship to support sails that are nearly double in size for enhanced wind capture.
Unlike traditional vessels that rely on manual labor for sail deployment, Anemos uses a mechanized system. Its features allow a single operator to manage the entirety of the rigging, which includes seven sails covering approximately 3,000 square meters, all controlled via a remote. Measuring about 265 feet in length, it surpasses the famous Cutty Sark in size, yet it requires just seven crew members compared to the clipper’s crew of 48.
To maximize wind utilization, Anemos employs customized routing software. Additionally, it is equipped with diesel electric engines that serve as a hybrid power source during low-wind conditions. During approximately 95% of its operations, the ship can operate solely on wind.
On its maiden voyage, the ship encountered delays that hindered optimal wind conditions initially, necessitating the use of fuel upon departure from France. Fortunately, wind power successfully drove the last ten days of the journey. Anemos also boasts an efficient cargo unloading system, allowing for quicker delivery times compared to conventional methods. Despite its smaller carrying capacity—approximately 1,000 tons on pallets—it outperforms larger container ships, which can handle over 20,000 containers.
Furthermore, when sailing at high speeds in strong winds, Anemos can reverse the propellers to harness energy from the water’s wake. This energy effectively powers onboard electronics, including kitchen appliances and ventilation systems, showcasing the vessel’s innovative approach to modern maritime operations.
Companies Leverage Services to Achieve Climate Objectives
Brands are increasingly utilizing TOWT’s services as a strategic way to meet their sustainability targets. Although the shipping costs are slightly higher than traditional container methods, many customers are willing to invest in this eco-friendly option for the long-term stability it provides. TOWT’s contracts eliminate the volatile pricing associated with standard fuel sources.
The appeal extends beyond just cost. Marketing benefits arise when brands can showcase their products as delivered via sailing vessels. This narrative is strengthened with the addition of QR codes on packaging, allowing consumers to access information on carbon dioxide reductions achieved during transport.
While various companies are exploring alternative fuels to reduce shipping emissions, TOWT asserts that leveraging wind energy offers an immediate solution. Critics of the industry often note that many organizations are postponing real action, banking on the emergence of convenient decarbonized fuels. This reliance on unproven future technologies may simply serve as greenwashing tactics, exemplified by the pollution associated with liquified natural gas due to methane leaks.
TOWT operates two sailing ships, which will conduct monthly voyages across the Atlantic. These vessels will transport wines and spirits from France to the U.S., then continue to South America for coffee shipments back to Europe. Plans are in motion for six additional vessels, projected to be operational by 2026, with aspirations to expand the fleet to hundreds in the future.
Furthermore, TOWT aims to establish training programs for a new generation of sailing cargo captains, addressing a gap in the market. This initiative highlights the company’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices while building expertise in maritime transportation.