World’s Largest Fleet Of Sailing Cargo Ships That Can Cut CO2 By Up To 90% Is Set To Double In Size

Alewijnse has signed a contract with the French shipbuilder Piriou to deliver the electrical system integration on board four new sail cargo vessels with hybrid propulsion. The Phenix class has been developed by the shipping company TransOceanic Wind Transport (NEWTOWT). Earlier, Piriou and Alewijnse completed similar projects for the first two vessels, Anemos and Artemis, which were built in Romania and France, and Vietnam, respectively. Together with the new vessels, these are currently the largest sailing cargo ships in operation that utilise automated soft-rigging sails derived directly from ocean racing technology.

Centuries-old concept brought to life with latest sailing technology

Over the millennia, wind power has demonstrated its value as an energy source. It is free, almost always available at sea, doesn’t need to be stored on board, and, of course, it has no emissions. It has become especially relevant now in light of the European Commission’s goal to achieve a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2040.

Leading the future of sail-powered cargo transport

The French company NEWTOWT (formerly TOWT) is one of several forward-thinking shipping companies that are revisiting the idea of sail-powered cargo vessels, supported by a French government grant. Working with Piriou, NEWTOWT has developed the Phenix-class sailing ship for freight transport across the Atlantic, and Alewijnse was selected to integrate the complex electrical systems aboard these innovative vessels.

The 80.36-metre-long Phenix-class employs a hybrid electric sailing technique. The vessels operate on a wind-first philosophy, meaning they are primarily propelled by sails. As the vessel moves through the water, the propeller rotates and generates electricity, recharging the batteries when needed. This is a process known as hydro-generation. Electrical energy is only used when manoeuvring in and out of harbours and as auxiliary power in low-wind conditions. Fossil fuel is reserved solely as an emergency backup when the electrical energy supply is exhausted. Together, these systems reduce CO₂ emissions by as much as 90 percent.

On board, advanced navigation tools, including hydraulic and wind sensors, enable near-full automation of the sails to ensure that they deliver maximum efficiency. The parallel hybrid propulsion and power generation systems also feature additional new functionality.

Advanced system integration

“All of this technology requires careful system control and integration, which demands specific expertise,” says Alewijnse project manager Ionut Melescanu. “We were therefore invited to handle the innovative, advanced system integration on this unique prototype vessel, overseeing the programming and functionality of all electrical systems. With 135 years of experience in the engineering, supply, installation and commissioning of electrical systems, including switchboards, we bring broad maritime expertise, not only in the dredging, offshore, and transport sectors, but also in yachts, naval vessels and industrial installations.”

“Our geographical presence and local content knowledge are another significant advantages. The hull of the first ship, Anemos, was constructed in Giurgiu, Romania, with final outfitting and commissioning completed in Concarneau, France. The second vessel was entirely built at the Piriou shipyard in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where the next four vessels will also be built. For over twenty years, Alewijnse and its own facilities in both Romania and Vietnam, provide local support of the highest quality in engineering, switchboard production and commissioning at the locations where these ships are constructed.”

Contributing to the energy transition

Dumitru Poperesniuc, Sales Manager International at Alewijnse, adds: “We thank Piriou for their trust and confidence as we continue to build sustainable partnerships founded on mutual respect. This new project builds on our successful collaboration with Piriou, for whom we have previously completed the systems integration, engineering and deliveries of the electrical package on board the Anemos and Artemis. We look forward to the future and hope to continue to contribute our expertise to the energy transition that Piriou is helping to make possible.”

We have come to know and work closely with Alewijnse, and after several years of collaboration, we particularly value their professionalism and pragmatic approach. It is always a pleasure to visit their production site in Romania and meet their teams. The people there are passionate and deeply committed to the projects.

Press Release