France's ArianeGroup is ordering a new ro-ro powered by sails to transport rocket parts.
French designer VPLP said the 121-metre ship will use four of its own Oceanwings sails to reduce emissions.
The ship will carry components for the Ariane 6 rocket from Europe to the launch pad in French Guiana.
ArianeGroup awarded the tender to operate the unit to Alizes, a joint venture between offshore services specialist Jifmar and Zephyr & Boree, a start-up specialising in carbon-free transport.
The vessel will be named Canopee.
It has a bridge in the bow and an open deck aft with high sides to protect the cargo.
The 30-metre high sails provide a total surface area of 1,452 square metres.
Emissions reduced 30%
Dubbed "wingsails", they assist the main propulsion system to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 30%.
They are automated and reefable, VPLP said.
Canopee also features optimised aero-hydrodynamics, dual-fuel engines running on LNG and diesel, and solar panels.
VPLP was founded in 1983 by Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot-Prevost. It has previously designed cruise vessels and yachts
“We took a fresh look at the specifications, in particular performance and wind-generator mode, with the aim of facilitating operations and reducing fuel consumption,” said Van Peteghem.
VPLP is already looking into passenger ferries equipped with hydrofoils.
“Thanks to foils, we can reduce fuel consumption by 30% to 35%,” Van Peteghem added.
