Video: World’s 1st Hybrid Propulsion Commerical Cargo Ship Makes First U.S Port Call

Screengrab from youtube video by Allan Jordon.

Canopee is the world’s 1st hybrid propulsion commercial cargo ship. It reached Florida’s Port Canaveral on September 2, 2024, for its first U.S. Port Call.

It is equipped with 4 wing sails and transports components for the European Space Agency.

The ship came from France and stopped in Bremen, Germany on August 22, 2024. She was coming to the U.S to deliver the European Service Module or ESM-3 which will go on the NASA SLS Artemis-III mission to the moon in 2026.

Her cargo was unloaded by Ambassador Service International to be taken to the Kennedy Space Center and it left Florida on September 4 for Belgium.

Authorities of Port Canaveral welcomed the MV Canopee and expressed their happiness in supporting NASA and its European Agency Partners in their preparations for a historic journey to the moon, said Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.

He also highlighted the unique design of this vessel in terms of innovation and the kind of cargo it ships for space exploration.

The vessel was constructed in Poland by Neptune Shipyard with her first sea trials being in December 2022.

Her wing sails, developed by AYRO, were fitted in 2023 and are about 120 ft in height with a surface area of 363 sq m.

The sails have 2 flaps, one forward and one aft, and the design makes it possible to adjust the wing’s angle of incidence, which turns 360 degrees with the wind while the rear flap can pivot around the secondary mast.

The sails are collapsible and can help achieve 30% saving on fuel consumption.

The 5500 DWT vessel is registered in France. It was designed by Ariane Group and is operated by Alizes.

The 400 ft long ship is the first large-scale hybrid sailing cargo vessel ever built and serves as a model for a new generation of wind-assisted propulsion.

The ship’s primary deployment is to transport Ariane 6 Rocket Components from European Ports to the European Space Agency launch pad in French Guiana.

Watch this video to know more:

Video Credits: Allan Jordon

Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.