Titled: Sailing Towards a Greener Future: The Canopée and Its Wind-Powered Vision
Unfolding a massive sail area of approximately 1,486 square meters (16,000 square feet), these sails grant the 3,150-tonne ship a substantial lift in favorable wind conditions. Although its primary propulsion source remains a pair of diesel engines, the Canopée exemplifies a promising future for shipping. Named "Sea Wings" due to their wing-like appearance that resembles an aircraft wing, these sails can slash fuel consumption by half when fully unfurled[1]. "With the best wind conditions, we can save up to 50% or 60%, in some cases even reducing our consumption by 10% or 15%. On average, we're estimating savings of around 30% but will need a few operational years to confirm this prediction," explains Nils Joyeux, CEO of Alizés, the French company operating the ship.
Originally designed to transport Europe's newest and largest space rocket, the Ariane 6, the Canopée completed its first Transatlantic voyage in November 2023. This transatlantic crossing marked the final stage of the Ariane-6 project, which has now commenced shipping components across Europe to France's Guiana Space Center, an overseas territory of France in Northeast South America[2].
Navigating the Wind of Change
The maritime industry contributes to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and handles around 90% of worldwide cargo transportation[2]. This year, the International Maritime Organization, the UN body responsible for maritime regulations, tightened its climate goals, aiming for net-zero emissions around 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels[2]. Cleaner fuels, such as ammonia, may play a significant role in achieving these objectives, as wind propulsion can potentially make a valuable contribution. "We're confident that wind energy will become increasingly cost-competitive in the coming years. It's not a complete solution for carbon-free shipping, but it's undoubtedly a crucial part of the equation. Ten years ago, we were just starting to consider refitting cargo ships; today, many shipping lines are planning it, and it's becoming a vital aspect of the shipping industry's future," Joyeux shares.
Commissioned in Poland at the end of 2022, the Canopée returned to Europe in the summer of 2023, equipped with sails. With the capacity to transport 5,000 tonnes of cargo at a speed of 16.5 knots, the ship will make a dozen voyages between European harbors, including Bremen, Rotterdam, Le Havre, and Bordeaux, before delivering cargo to Pariacabo, French Guiana[1].
Christiaan De Beukelaer, author of the book Trade Winds, describes the sails as soft, removable "Sea Wings" attached to the ship's masts. Steerable from the ship's bridge, the sails can be easily "reefed", allowing them to adapt to different wind speeds. "The experimental Oceanwings prototype won the America's Cup in 2010, after which it was adapted for use on high-seas freighters. It's a highly promising design, although it's still too early to say which design will be the most popular among boat operators and crews," de Beukelaer notes.[1]
Joyeux attributes the introduction of wind-powered sails to a more engaging onboard experience for the crew. "As a sailor myself, I can see that the crew on the Canopée is very enthusiastic about using the sails, as they make the ship's route more interesting. We must pay attention to the weather, so every voyage is unique and depends on the wind forecast. The ship will initially prioritize meeting scheduled arrival times through fuel savings, which means it will switch to diesel if the wind is insufficient," Joyeux explains.
Embracing the Winds of Change
According to Gavin Alwright, General Secretary of the International Windjammer Association, a non-profit organization promoting offshore wind propulsion, around 31 large wind-assisted freighters (above 400-tonne gross tonnage) are currently in operation. By the end of this year, approximately 20 more ships will go into service, and by 2025, it is estimated that around 100 ships will be operational. A variety of technologies are being utilized for these vessels; vertical rotor sails are the most prevalent, while hard sails that borrow inspiration from aircraft wings are another popular choice[1]. The unexpected choice is the "Giant Drone," capable of flying above 1,000 ft (300 m) to capture stronger winds.
Although the impact of these ships on the global fleet of approximately 60,000 large cargo ships is limited, de Beukelaer stresses the triple benefits brought about by the introduction of wind propulsion. "First, it provides short-term reduction in fossil fuel usage. Second, it cuts down on the need for cleaner fuels once they begin replacing fossil fuels, contributing to the transition process. Lastly, it enables shipping lines to free themselves from fuel price volatility," he notes.
As the Canopée embarks on its mission to reduce emissions, time will tell whether its innovative approach will gain traction among the shipping lines and crews around the world.
