French cooperative orders novel boxship in Turkey

Windcoop, a French cooperative, has placed a landmark order in Turkey for a sail-powered boxship.

Tuzla-based RMK Marine, which is also building the wind-powered Neoliner Origin roro, will build the new-look container vessel. The 91.3 m long open hatch ship, costing EUR28.5m ($31.6m) has a capacity of 210 teu, plus 40 reefer plugs. It will be powered by three windsails and will have an average sailing speed of nine knots when it delivers in May 2027 and starts on a dedicated route between France and Madagascar. In calm conditions, an MGO diesel engine will take over to ensure continuous navigation.

For those fancying an adventure at sea, the cooperative is offering passenger berths.

“The ship will accommodate 12 passengers who will live at the pace of the crew. We are not offering a luxury cruise, but the opportunity to travel comfortably with the wind and enjoy an extraordinary experience aboard one of the first wind-powered cargo ships in operation,” the company states on its website.

France has been one of the world leaders in developing novel wind-assisted ships in recent years.