WPB: A revolutionary shift is underway in oceanic cargo ship operations, with an old technology gaining renewed prominence. The Grain de Sail II, a French cargo schooner, serves as a prime example of how revisiting traditional methods can pave the way for a sustainable future in transportation.
Interestingly, the evolution of maritime power has come full circle. Coal once replaced wind energy, only for diesel engines to dominate the industry. However, as the global shipping sector seeks to curb the carbon emissions generated by thousands of vessels traversing the seas daily, wind power is emerging as a viable alternative. Ships like the Grain de Sail II are already demonstrating how wind can be harnessed to drive this change.
Constructed by the French Piriou shipyards in Brittany and in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Grain de Sail II is a 170-foot schooner designed to transport up to 350 tons of cargo. As reported by Tech Xplore, it relies exclusively on wind power while navigating open waters. A diesel engine is used only for maneuvering in and out of ports, highlighting a cleaner and more sustainable approach to cargo shipping.
According to NPR, cargo ships currently transport approximately 90% of the world’s goods, contributing to about 3% of global annual carbon emissions. The International Council on Clean Transportation warns that these emissions could rise by 50% by 2050. With rising fuel prices and regulatory efforts from organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union to discourage carbon-based shipping, wind energy offers an attractive and environmentally friendly alternative.
This trend is not limited to smaller vessels like the Grain de Sail II. Larger ships are also testing wind-powered technologies. The Pyxis Ocean, a 751-foot bulk carrier managed by Cargill, employs rigid fiberglass sails to generate lift and propulsion. Meanwhile, the Sea Zhoushan, a 1,115-foot cargo ship, uses innovative rotor sails—vertical cylinders that spin with the wind and harness the Magnus Effect to create forward thrust.
Yann Jourdan, captain of the Grain de Sail II and a former crew member of traditional diesel-powered ships, is a staunch advocate for greener maritime solutions. He believes his ship is a vital step toward transforming an industry heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
“Our mission is to show that it’s achievable,” Jourdan said. “It’s just common sense—petroleum resources are finite, but the wind is limitless.”
With its sophisticated design and reliance on renewable energy, the Grain de Sail II is not only a testament to innovation but also a beacon for a cleaner future in global shipping.
By Bitumenmag
Shipping, Bitumen, Petroleum, market
If the Canadian federal government enforces stringent regulations on emissions starting in 2030, the Canadian petroleum and gas industry could lose $ ...
Following the expiration of the general U.S. license for operations in Venezuela's petroleum industry, up to 50 license applications have been submit ...
Saudi Arabia is planning a multi-billion dollar sale of shares in the state-owned giant Aramco.
