Windcoop, a French cooperative, is pioneering a new era of eco-friendly shipping with the development of a sail-powered containership. Commissioned from Turkey’s RMK Marine, this unique 91.3-meter vessel is designed to prioritize wind propulsion, utilizing three 350 sq meter wing sails, totaling 1,050 sq meters. The ship will have the capacity to carry 210 TEU and 40 refrigerated containers.
The vessel’s design incorporates an open-hatch layout and strategically placed cranes to facilitate stable and autonomous loading and unloading operations. Notably, the project is fully financed through a cooperative model, involving contributions from individuals, businesses, and institutions, marking a milestone as the first time this funding approach has supported a cargo ship of this scale.
The ship is slated to operate on a Marseille–Madagascar route, connecting lesser-served ports and enabling direct trade of goods such as spices, cocoa, essential oils, and textiles, eliminating the need for transshipment. Windcoop has ambitions to expand its operations with additional routes and a second vessel, focusing on regions including West Africa, the Indian Ocean, and a transatlantic line.