The world’s first sail cargo ship
A significant step has been taken in the development of hybrid and alternative propulsion systems in the maritime industry to reduce carbon emissions and make maritime transport more environmentally friendly. The first sail cargo ship equipped with a hybrid system, featuring four sails assisted by two diesel engines, has officially set sail: the Canopée, designed and built by Jifmar Offshore Services.
Hybrid propulsion systems for boats typically combine traditional internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines, with cleaner technology such as electric batteries or alternative fuels. These systems are designed to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Jifmar’s behemoth is a cargo ship 121 meters long, 22 meters wide, and 37 meters high. It is the first ship of this size to be partially powered by wind, with four immense sails assisted by two diesel engines. Its construction, which took three years in the port of Sczezcin, Poland, paves the way for decarbonizing maritime transport through innovative hybrid operation.
The cargo ship’s mission will be to transport various components of the Ariane 6 rocket, collected from ports in Bremen, Germany; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Le Havre and Bordeaux, France, to Kourou, French Guiana, where they will be assembled. The speed of its hybrid operation allows the Canopée to complete the journey between Europe and the launch site in 30 days.