Pratik Bijlani –
The world’s largest sailing cargo ship, Anemos, has set sail on its maiden voyage from Concarneau, South Brittany. Developed by TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT) and built by the PIRIOU shipyard, the innovative vessel is poised to arrive in Le Havre early next week before continuing its journey to New York City, with an expected arrival around August 20, 2024.
Anemos represents a significant milestone in maritime shipping, marking a bold step toward decarbonizing the industry. The ship, which measures 81 meters long, 15 meters wide, and 63 meters high, is the first of eight planned vessels designed to harness wind power as the primary mode of propulsion. Utilizing advanced sail technology from ocean racing and automated rigging, Anemos aims to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 100%, setting a new standard for sustainable shipping.
Built over two years, Anemos draws on extensive French expertise, with multiple manufacturers and designers contributing to its innovative design. The hull was constructed in Romania and then transferred to Concarneau for outfitting. With a cargo capacity of up to 1,000 tonnes, Anemos is smaller than conventional boxships, but its projected carbon intensity per tonne-kilometer is less than a tenth of a sub-Panamax container ship. Cargo transported by Anemos will be certified as low-carbon, with a consumer-facing label indicating the voyage number.
TOWT has ambitious plans for Anemos and its future sister ships, offering regular routes to destinations like Colombia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Brazil, and New York. Initial customers include coffee importers Belco and Café William, as well as French cognac and champagne conglomerate Martell Mumm Perrier Jouët, which sees potential in using sail cargo for its premium products.
Anemos signifies a promising future for environmentally responsible shipping, paving the way for a new era of sail-powered cargo transport.
Marex Media