The Canopée cargo ship, a pioneering vessel designed to transport Ariane 6 rocket components, has set a new benchmark for sustainable shipping with its advanced wind-assisted propulsion system. Developed by a consortium including OceanWings, VPLP Design, and operators Alizés, the ship’s four OceanWings sails have achieved an unprecedented 99.6% system availability over two years of operation. This reliability, combined with daily fuel savings of 5.2 tons and a reduction of over 20 tons of CO2 emissions, demonstrates the viability of wind propulsion in commercial maritime logistics.

The OceanWings sails, each contributing approximately 1.3 tons of daily fuel savings, harness wind energy to reduce reliance on traditional engines. On recent transatlantic voyages, the ship achieved fuel savings of 2.2 tons per day per sail, equivalent to 510 kilowatts of engine power saved. The vessel’s speed of 13.7 knots under sail alone further underscores the efficiency of the technology. The success of Canopée has not only earned accolades like the Henri Kummerman Prize but also positioned wind-assisted propulsion as a scalable solution for decarbonizing the shipping industry.

Alizés, the joint venture operating Canopée, emphasizes the seamless integration of the sails into daily operations, proving their practicality for broader adoption. As the maritime sector faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions, Canopée’s achievements offer a blueprint for sustainable innovation. The collaboration between OceanWings, VPLP, and ArianeGroup exemplifies how cutting-edge technology can address environmental challenges while maintaining operational efficiency.