World’s Largest Modern Sailing Cargo Ship Prepares for Maiden Voyage
Anemos, the world’s largest sailing cargo ship, has set sail on its inaugural voyage from Concarneau, South Brittany.
The pioneering vessel, developed by TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT) and built by the PIRIOU shipyard, is set to arrive in Le Havre early next week. After loading operations, Anemos will travel to New York City, scheduled around August 20, 2024.
The delivery of Anemos represents a key milestone in the maritime industry. This cutting-edge vessel, measuring 81 meters long, 15 meters wide, and 63 meters high, is the first of eight planned sailing cargo ships.
Anemos, using advanced sail technology from ocean racing and automated rigging, aims to transform shipping by reducing its environmental impact.
TOWT Managing Director Diana Mesa expressed her excitement, stating that after more than two years at the shipyard, they are excited to take the delivery and embark on the first commercial voyage.
Anemos is a significant step toward decarbonizing global shipping. The vessel’s primary mode of propulsion will be wind power, which is predicted to lower CO2 emissions by up to 100% and drastically reduce other pollutants such as sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. This shift to sailing promises to have a lower impact on biodiversity and ocean acidification than traditional engine-powered vessels.
TOWT CEO Guillaume Le Grand emphasized the significance of the launch, stating, that during the Olympic hours, they have made the fight against global warming their discipline.
Several French manufacturers contributed to the vessel’s construction, including H&T (the architect), Incidence Sails, LORIMA, and others.
Vincent Faujour, President of the PIRIOU Group, emphasized the collaborative effort, stating that the vessel represents the beginning of a wonderful tale that reflects French innovation and the dedication of everyone involved.
TOWT’s dedication to ecological and economic innovation aims to reduce 9,600 tons of CO2 emissions per year by 2025 and shift 72,000 tons of cargo to low-carbon transportation.
The utilization of sailing vessels such as Anemos demonstrates the maritime industry’s ability to utilize wind power for a more sustainable future.
Anemos is more than just a vessel; it is a symbol of progress in maritime transport, combining tradition with cutting-edge technology to combat climate change and promote sustainable shipping practices.
Reference: PIRIOU
