Windcoop orders world’s first sail-powered containership
The French shipping company Windcoop has placed a firm order for the world’s first sail-powered containership.
Measuring 91.3 m and equipped with three rigid wingsails designed by CWS, the ship will be built by Turkish yard RMK Marine and is set for launch in May 2027. It will operate a direct route between Madagascar and France, linking Marseille with Tamatave, Diego Suarez and Majunga.
Organised as a cooperative, Windcoop raised EUR 6.8 million from 1,600 citizens and future customers to finance the project. The vessel will have a capacity of 2,500 t or 210 teu, including 40 reefer plugs. A second vessel is already planned to ensure a monthly service, with additional regional and trans-Atlantic lines under consideration.
Windcoop, founded in 2022 in Lorient (France), offers a cooperative and low-carbon maritime transport model supported by shippers such as Arcadie, Valrhona and Prova. (ah)