Canopée
The world’s first industrial-scale wind-assisted cargo vessel has proven itself under the most demanding conditions
30%
reduction in overall fuel consumption
4 t
average daily fuel savings at sea
Zero
delays attributable to wind propulsion systems
8,300 t
of CO₂ avoided since commissioning in 2023
The project
Ariane launchers have always been transported by sea from European production sites to French Guiana. The transition to Ariane 6, with its unprecedented dimensions and volumes, required a completely redesigned vessel capable of meeting some of the most demanding constraints in maritime transport: out-of-gauge components up to 42 metres long, hazardous-cargo requirements for materials including hydrogen and oxygen, a draught limited to 3.80 metres to enter the Kourou River and the requirement to adhere to a strict space-launch schedule.
On board: satellites, the Orion lunar capsule and eight complete Ariane 6 launchers. Reliability and safety are non-negotiable.
The vessel
121 m
in length
5,400 t
deadweight (DWT)
4 rigid wingsails
OceanWings of 363 m² each
10 round trips
per year between Europe and Kourou
Vessel of the Year 2024
Marine Propulsion Maritime Decarbonisation Awards
Performance and impact
Four years of operational data confirm the pre-delivery performance projections. The wingsails save an average of 4.0 tonnes of fuel per day at sea, with consistent savings observed across the vessel’s operating-speed range. Weather routing developed with D-ICE Engineering can double these savings by optimising the vessel’s route to maximise exposure to favourable wind conditions. In light or unfavourable winds, the main engines take over and the schedule is unaffected.
Canopée was named Vessel of the Year 2024 at the Marine Propulsion Maritime Decarbonisation Awards in Amsterdam.
Discuss your projectHow Z&B brought this project to life
Zéphyr & Borée co-designed Canopée and commercially operates and manages the vessel through its joint venture Alizés. VPLP and Groot Ship Design developed the naval architecture, and Neptune Shipyards built the vessel in the Netherlands. Delivered in late 2022, Canopée began its first commercial rotations in 2023.
The project demonstrates, through in-service operations involving critical cargo, that wind propulsion can be integrated into highly constrained industrial logistics while meeting some of the most demanding safety, schedule and cargo-handling requirements.
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“Since Canopée entered service in late 2022, the teams at Zéphyr & Borée have demonstrated an exceptionally high level of professionalism, excellent communication and exemplary rigour in operational execution. Their commitment and transparency compare favourably with those of larger shipping companies, whose more rigid processes do not always provide the flexibility required for such specialised projects.”