Europe's largest rocket, the Ariane 6, has been transported on a wind-powered cargo ship called Canopée. The ship, designed by French company Alizés, features four sails that can cut fuel consumption in half when wind conditions are favorable. Canopée's maiden voyage in November 2023 marked a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the shipping industry.
The shipping industry accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and moves approximately 90% of the world's goods. To address this, the International Maritime Organization has set a target to reach net zero emissions by around 2050, with a minimum reduction of 20% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels.
Wind propulsion is seen as a crucial asset in achieving this goal. Canopée's managing director, Nils Joyeux, believes that wind energy will become increasingly competitive in the coming years. The ship's sails, called "Oceanwings," are adjustable and can be easily "reefed" to accommodate varying wind speeds.
According to Christiaan De Beukelaer, author of "Trade Winds" and a researcher at the University of Melbourne, the design of the Oceanwings is promising, although it's early to determine which designs will be the most popular among shipping companies and crews.
The International Windship Association reports that there are currently 31 large wind-assisted cargo ships operating worldwide, with around 20 more expected to launch by the end of the year. While the impact of these vessels is still limited, the uptake of wind propulsion offers a triple dividend: reducing fossil fuel use, decreasing the need for zero-emission fuels, and relying on a free source of energy.
Canopée's existence demonstrates that wind propulsion is a viable option for shipping companies to lower emissions and invest in sustainability. As the shipping industry continues to explore innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint, wind-powered cargo ships like Canopée are paving the way for a more sustainable future.
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