The roar of diesel engines, once the ubiquitous soundtrack of global trade, is beginning to fade, replaced by the whisper of wind in the sails of a new generation of cargo ships. For Captain Yann Jourdan, the trade-off was a conscious choice. While captaining a fuel-powered vessel might have quadrupled his income, he opted for the helm of the *Grain de Sail II*, a modern marvel of wind-powered transport, prioritizing environmental responsibility over personal gain. His dedication reflects a growing movement in the shipping industry, one striving to lessen its significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The international merchant fleet, comprising over 100,000 ships, accounts for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions – a figure projected to rise dramatically without a swift transition to cleaner energy sources. This stark reality is driving innovation and investment in wind-powered alternatives. Once dismissed as quaint relics of a bygone era, sail-powered cargo vessels are now viewed as a critical component of a sustainable future for maritime transport. “It’s our job to prove it’s possible,” states Jourdan, emphasizing the pragmatic rationale: “Petrol is finite; wind is not.”
Modern technology is the key to this revival. Ships like the *Grain de Sail II*, a vessel capable of carrying 350 tons of goods across the Atlantic, embody this transformation. Its sleek aluminum hull, towering carbon-fiber masts, and sophisticated automated sail-handling systems represent a significant advancement over the sailing clippers of old. The ship utilizes its diesel engine solely for maneuvering in and out of port, aiming for complete elimination of its carbon footprint, according to co-founder Jacques Barreau. Their remarkable speed—a recent New York crossing took just 17 days—highlights the viability of this approach. The Barreau twins, who financed this ambitious project with profits from their chocolate and coffee business, envision a future brimming with thousands of similar vessels, even larger versions, actively decarbonizing the industry.
The impact extends beyond entirely sail-powered ships. Wind-assisted technologies are also being integrated into conventional engine-powered vessels. Take the *Sea Zhoushan*, a 340-meter iron ore carrier, equipped with five large wind rotors. This innovative design, implemented by Norsepower, yields fuel savings of up to 8% on its transpacific voyages, showcasing the potential for even the largest cargo ships to benefit from wind energy. Norsepower’s success, with 16 installations and 13 more on order, underscores the growing acceptance of wind-assisted propulsion systems within the industry.
While still a small percentage of the global fleet, wind-powered and wind-assisted vessels are exhibiting exponential growth. Clarksons Research reports 165 cargo ships currently utilizing wind energy or scheduled for wind-assisted system installations. This upward trend is likely to accelerate with the implementation of the EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS) in 2025, which will levy charges on larger cargo ships’ emissions and incentivize the adoption of low-carbon alternatives.
Addressing the inevitable question of wind variability, Jean Zanuttini, president of Neoline, emphasizes their commitment to punctuality. Their upcoming 136-meter vessel, slated for launch in 2025, will use its diesel engine when necessary to maintain its target 13-day crossing time between Saint-Nazaire and Baltimore. While acknowledging that diesel will contribute to approximately 30% of their energy needs, Zanuttini highlights that the remaining 70%, generated by advanced fiberglass sails, represents a substantial reduction in fuel consumption, a crucial step toward greater efficiency and reduced emissions.
The Barreau twins are already planning *Grain de Sail III*, a vessel twice the length of its predecessor, with eight times the cargo capacity. This expansion aims to further reduce costs while maintaining their unwavering commitment to wind power as the primary propulsion method, highlighting the increasing economic viability of this sustainable approach. For Captain Jourdan, the choice is clear: the environmental responsibility outweighs the financial rewards. “For me now, it’s a dirty business,” he reflects, “I just want to do something that I’m proud of.” And in the face of a climate crisis, that sentiment is resonating throughout the shipping industry, fueling the impressive comeback of wind-powered cargo ships.
