Canopee, the world’s first hybrid propulsion commercial cargo ship, arrived at Florida’s Port Canaveral on September 2, 2024, marking its first port call in the United States. The vessel, equipped with innovative wing sails, plays a crucial role in transporting components for the European Space Agency’s missions.
Voyage and Mission
The ship embarked on its journey from France and made a stop in Bremen, Germany, on August 22, 2024. Its mission was to deliver the European Service Module (ESM-3) for NASA’s Artemis III mission, set to travel to the moon in 2026. After arriving in Florida, the ship’s cargo was unloaded by Ambassador Service International and transferred to the Kennedy Space Center. Canopee departed Florida on September 4, bound for Belgium.
Port Canaveral’s Role
Port Canaveral authorities, led by CEO Captain John Murray, expressed their excitement about supporting NASA and the European Space Agency in this significant space exploration effort. Murray praised the innovative design of Canopee, noting its hybrid propulsion system and the specialized cargo it transports for space missions.
Design and Innovation
Constructed by Neptune Shipyard in Poland, Canopee underwent its first sea trials in December 2022. Its wing sails, developed by AYRO, were installed in 2023. These 120-foot-tall sails have a surface area of 363 square meters and feature two flaps—one forward and one aft—allowing them to adjust the angle of incidence and rotate 360 degrees with the wind. The collapsible sails contribute to a 30% reduction in fuel consumption, enhancing the vessel’s efficiency.
Specifications and Deployment
Canopee, a 400-foot-long, 5,500 DWT vessel registered in France, was designed by Ariane Group and is operated by Alizes. As the first large-scale hybrid sailing cargo ship ever built, it sets a new standard for wind-assisted propulsion. The vessel’s primary mission is to transport Ariane 6 rocket components from European ports to the European Space Agency’s launch site in French Guiana, marking a significant step toward greener maritime logistics.
Conclusion
Canopee represents a breakthrough in maritime innovation, combining wind-assisted propulsion with modern engineering to reduce fuel consumption. As the first of its kind, it serves as a model for future hybrid vessels and plays a critical role in supporting space exploration efforts through its specialized cargo deliveries.
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Source: Marine Insight
