- Canopée, the world’s first hybrid electric and thermal-powered industrial cargo ship, has achieved remarkable fuel savings using wind-assisted propulsion with OceanWings sails.
- Over two years of continuous operation, the vessel has demonstrated 99.6% system availability and reduced daily fuel consumption by up to 5.2 tons.
- Designed to transport Ariane 6 rocket components, Canopée represents a significant step toward decarbonising global maritime logistics through hybrid and sail-based technologies.
In a breakthrough for sustainable shipping, the hybrid-powered cargo vessel Canopée has successfully demonstrated the real-world effectiveness of wind-assisted propulsion after two years of continuous operation. Built specifically to transport Ariane 6 rocket components from Europe to French Guiana, Canopée is the first industrial vessel to combine thermal and electric propulsion with automated vertical sails, according to Interesting Engineering.
Harnessing Wind to Cut Emissions and Fuel Use
Equipped with four OceanWings vertical sails—designed by French startup OceanWings in collaboration with architecture firm VPLP Design—Canopée uses wind energy to significantly reduce its fuel consumption. On average, the vessel saves 5.2 tons of fuel per day, translating to roughly 1,200 kW of engine power avoided. Each wingsail contributes about 1.3 tons of fuel savings daily, equivalent to 300 kW of engine output.
Real-World Performance Validates the Concept
Far from being a theoretical solution, the OceanWings system has proven its reliability with a system availability rate of 99.6% over the vessel’s first two years. In one of its recent transatlantic voyages, the vessel achieved even higher savings—2.2 tons per wingsail per day—cutting the equivalent of 2 MW of engine power and reaching speeds of up to 13.7 knots under sail alone.
A Practical Pathway to Low-Carbon Shipping
The shipping sector is responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with sea freight accounting for 90% of traded goods. Canopée presents a scalable, commercially viable way to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. With continuous improvements to OceanWings’ software and AI platform, performance is expected to improve further.
Built for the Future of Rocket Logistics
Operated by low-carbon shipping company Alizés—a joint venture between Jifmar and Zéphyr & Borée—Canopée is contracted to transport components for ArianeGroup’s space program over the next 15 years. The vessel’s success has already drawn recognition, as OceanWings, VPLP, Jifmar, Zéphyr & Borée, and ArianeGroup received the prestigious Henri Kummerman Prize from the French Académie de Marine for their innovation in maritime sustainability.
Leading the Shift to Responsible Shipping
Jean-Michel Berud, Chairman of Alizés and General Director of Jifmar, highlighted the project’s mission in a recent statement: “Our group stands out by applying its expertise to tailor-made, innovative projects. We’re proud to contribute to building a more responsible maritime world.”
As global pressure mounts to decarbonise maritime transport, Canopée offers a compelling example of how hybrid propulsion and wind power can help the shipping industry meet its environmental goals without sacrificing operational efficiency.
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Source: Interesting Engineering
