World’s Largest Wind-powered Container Ship to Cut Emissions by 90%

French company Grain de Sail has announced a revolutionary plan to build a 360-foot-long wind-powered cargo ship, Grain de Sail III, designed to carry 200 TEUs or over 3,000 tons of cargo.

Expected to be operational by 2027, Grain de Sail III will be part of a fleet of up to four similar vessels, making Grain de Sail a leader in sustainable maritime transport.

The ship will rely on wind power for most of its journey, equipped with three towering masts and 43,000 square feet of rigid sails. Engines will be used only for navigating in and out of ports.

Innovative features like retractable daggerboards for improved upwind speed and a wood pellet boiler for heating underscore the ship’s commitment to sustainable, efficient operations.

Designed with a maximum air draft of 205 feet, the vessel can navigate under major maritime bridges, including the Verrazzano Bridge, ensuring versatile global routes.

Grain de Sail III aims to reduce carbon emissions by over 90%, emitting only 1-2 grams of CO2 per ton of cargo per kilometer—10 to 20 times lower than traditional cargo ships.

Since starting operations in 2020, Grain de Sail has expanded its fleet and transatlantic routes, transporting French goods to New York and returning with coffee and cacao from Latin America.

By offering its eco-friendly shipping services to other companies, Grain de Sail envisions a greener future for transatlantic cargo, setting a new standard in low-emission maritime transport.