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Photos: World’s largest wind-powered cargo ship begins Transatlantic trip

On its first journey, Anemos carries 1,000 tons of high-value cargo, including products from coffee importers and French cognac producers.

Published: Aug 20, 2024 08:07 AM EST

Sujita Sinha

8 days ago

Sailing vessel Anemos.

TOWT/Twitter

The world’s largest sailing cargo ship, Anemos, has officially set sail on its maiden voyage, marking a significant milestone in the decarbonization of maritime transport.

The vessel, ordered by the French sailing freight company TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT), departed earlier this month from Concarneau, Southern Brittany, France, en route to New York.

This 81-meter-long ship is the first of its kind in modern history, combining advanced sailing technology with the mission to significantly reduce carbon emissions in global shipping.

With its innovative design and commitment to sustainability, Anemos is leading the charge in the decarbonization of the shipping industry.

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Construction and sea trials
Built by Piriou, Anemos represents over two years of meticulous construction and design efforts. The vessel, whose name is derived from the ancient Greek word for "wind," recently completed its sea trials, demonstrating its capabilities in real-world conditions. The ship draws heavily on advanced sail technology developed from ocean racing, ensuring that it can harness the wind efficiently while minimizing its carbon footprint. The hull was initially constructed at Piriou's Romania yard before being transferred to Concarneau, France, for final outfitting.
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First commercial stopover at Haropa Port
After completing its sea trials, Anemos made its first commercial stopover at Haropa Port in Le Havre Seine Métropole, the vessel’s designated homeport. Here, the ship was loaded with its first commercial cargo, marking the beginning of its operational life. This momentous occasion signifies the transition from construction and testing to active service, a key milestone for both TOWT and the broader maritime industry.
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Transatlantic route and destinations
On its maiden journey, Anemos is not just sailing to New York. The vessel’s transatlantic route includes stops in Santa Marta, Colombia, Vitoria, Brazil, and Quebec, Canada. These destinations are strategically chosen to optimize the ship’s cargo capacity and demonstrate its versatility in servicing different markets. This voyage is a significant demonstration of how traditional sailing techniques can be adapted to modern logistics and supply chains, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional shipping.
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Revolutionizing maritime transport
Anemos has been hailed as “the world’s largest” sailing cargo ship, a title that underscores its importance in the quest to decarbonize global shipping. The vessel is equipped with cutting-edge sailing technology that significantly reduces the need for fossil fuels, resulting in a projected 95% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional containerships. This innovation is not just about size; it’s about revolutionizing the way goods are transported across oceans, with minimal environmental impact.
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A fleet of sailing cargo ships
Anemos is the first of eight sister ships ordered by TOWT, all designed to follow in its green footsteps. The next in line, Artemis, is currently under construction in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and will soon join Anemos in TOWT’s growing fleet. Earlier this year, TOWT expanded its order with Piriou, commissioning six additional vessels that are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2027. These Phoenix-class sailboats are poised to further enhance TOWT’s capacity to provide low-carbon transport solutions on a global scale.
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Reducing carbon footprint
With the full fleet in operation, TOWT anticipates a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions, potentially saving around 40,000 tons of CO2 annually. This is achieved by transporting approximately 200,000 tons of goods across the globe, with each voyage contributing to a significant decrease in the carbon intensity of maritime shipping. Anemos alone, with its cargo capacity of up to 1,000 tons, is expected to achieve a carbon intensity of just two grams per ton-kilometer, a fraction of that of a sub-Panamax container ship.
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Innovative cargo certification
In addition to its environmental benefits, Anemos offers a unique value proposition to its customers: a special certification of low-carbon transport. Cargo carried aboard Anemos will be accompanied by a consumer-facing label on its packaging, complete with the voyage number imprinted on it. This certification is a testament to the sustainability of the transportation process, providing consumers with tangible proof of their contribution to reducing carbon emissions. It also serves as a marketing tool for companies committed to environmentally responsible practices.
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High-value cargo on board
Anemos’ maiden voyage is carrying 1,000 tons of high-value cargo destined for New York. Among the initial customers are coffee importers Belco and Cafe William, who are moving several thousand tonnes of their supply from South America. Additionally, the French cognac and champagne conglomerate Martell Mumm Perrier Jouët is using the ship to transport some of its premium products. The unique conditions aboard a sailing vessel, including the ship's motion and exposure to sea air, are believed to have distinct aging properties for alcoholic beverages, making this mode of transport particularly attractive for wine and spirit producers.