The world’s first hybrid electric and thermal-powered industrial cargo vessel, developed to transport Ariane 6 rocket components from Europe to French Guiana, has shown that wind-assisted propulsion works in real-world commercial shipping.
Canopée, which is equipped with four automated vertical sails made by French startup OceanWings and architecture firm VPLP Design that harness wind power to reduce fuel consumption, has now completed two full years of continuous operation.
According to the company that designs, manufactures, and supplies wingsails to help the shipping industry reduce its carbon footprint, the groundbreaking vessel has achieved average daily fuel savings of 5.2 tons.