France – The shipping industry’s massive carbon footprint is slowly being reduced as sailors like Yann Jourdan make the switch to sail-powered cargo ships. Jourdan, captain of a 3-year-old sailboat that transports goods across the Atlantic, said he now earns a third less than if he were working on fuel-powered ships.
The international merchant fleet of over 100,000 ships is responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but sailing cargo ships can significantly cut carbon emissions. Modern technology has made it possible to build efficient sailboats that use their diesel engines only to maneuver in and out of port.
Companies like Grain de Sail are pioneering this comeback with modern vessels like the Grain de Sail II, which carries 350 tons of goods. The ship’s aluminum hull and high-tech navigation gear make it a supercharged sailing experience.
Wind-assisted systems are also being fitted to engine-powered cargo ships, reducing fuel consumption by up to 8%. Finland’s Norsepower has installed these systems on 16 ships and plans to install them on more vessels.
The European Union is set to introduce new regulations in 2025 that require larger cargo ships to pay for their emissions. This could strengthen the appeal of wind-powered shipping.
Despite challenges, sailors are optimistic about the future of sail-powered cargo ships. “It’s our job to prove that it’s possible,” said Jourdan. The industry is slowly but surely reconnecting with its windy past, making shipping cleaner and more sustainable for generations to come.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/climate-clean-shipping-sail-carbon-emissions-environment-0c191cb3674e157e66f65c8e58e7c0ce