‘World’s first’ hybrid wind-powered cargo vessel visits Port Canaveral (Gallery)

September 9, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

MV Canopée, the “world’s first” hybrid propulsion commercial cargo vessel, made its inaugural U.S. visit to Port Canaveral.

Launched in 2022, the MV Canopée is a French-flagged cargo vessel, designed and purpose-built by ArianeGroup to transport Ariane 6 rocket components from ports in Europe to French Guiana for the European Space Agency.

Photo: Canaveral Port Authority

Operated by the French company Alizés, the ship is 121 meters long and 22 meters wide, with four wing sails consisting of two flaps, one forward and one aft. They can turn 360 degrees to catch the wind at the right angle and their designers claim they generate far more power than conventional sails. According to the vessel builder, the use of sails allows MV Canopée to save up to 30% on fuel consumption per trip.

The vessel uses both wind and fuel for propulsion and is the first large-scale hybrid sailing cargo vessel ever constructed.

“Port Canaveral was thrilled to welcome the MV Canopée on its first visit to the U.S. and proud to support NASA and their European Space Agency partners as they prepare for a historic return to the Moon,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.

“The design and purpose of this sail-assisted commercial vessel is unique for the maritime transport sector in both innovation and the type of cargo it carries for space exploration.”

To remind, Alizés, a joint venture between Zéphyr & Borée and JIFMAR Offshore Services, won a tender process in 2019 launched by ArianeGroup to ensure the maritime transport service of the Ariane 6 launcher. For this purpose, Alizés decided to construct a new generation vessel specially designed for the transport requirements of Ariane 6. In March this year, French President Emmanuel Macron visited MV Canopée, highlighting its role in the decarbonization of the shipping industry.