The Artemis, recognized as the world’s largest sail-powered cargo ship, arrived in New York on Monday afternoon following a 32-day voyage from the port of Le Havre in northern France. The vessel, operated by the French startup TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT), transported approximately 1,000 tons of cargo, including French liqueur, champagne, Vilebrequin swimwear, and Bonne Maman jam. Additionally, four passengers were aboard as part of a trial run for TOWT’s newly introduced public cabins, providing an environmentally friendly alternative for crossing the Atlantic.
Equipped with towering 52-meter (170-foot) carbon masts and an impressive 2,100 square meters (23,000 square feet) of sails, these ships cruise at an average speed of 11 nautical miles per hour, reaching up to 17 knots when conditions are favorable. In comparison, conventional engine-powered cargo vessels typically travel at around 14 knots. Although the ship includes a backup diesel engine for maneuvering in and out of ports, TOWT estimates its vessels cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 90% compared to traditional fossil-fuel-powered cargo ships. The environmental impact is even more striking when compared to air travel, with TOWT’s CEO, Guillaume Le Grand, stating that the carbon footprint per passenger is between five and ten kilograms—drastically lower than the roughly one ton of CO2 produced per person on a flight from Paris to New York.
Sustainable Travel by Sea
As concerns about climate change prompt travelers to seek lower-emission alternatives, Le Grand observed a growing demand for sustainable long-distance travel. While trains have become a preferred overland option, he saw an opportunity to introduce a low-carbon alternative for transatlantic journeys.
“Until recently, if you wanted to travel to America without emitting carbon, your only options were to swim or sail on a small boat like Greta Thunberg did in 2019,” Le Grand quipped, referencing the climate activist’s voyage from the UK to New York for a UN climate conference. “Now, with us, you can travel comfortably with your family in well-equipped cabins.”
Each of TOWT’s ships accommodates up to six double-occupancy cabins for passengers, who share the vessel with a crew of about seven members. Meanwhile, hundreds of pallets of goods are securely stored in the ship’s hold. Beginning in March, the company plans to establish regular sail-powered voyages between France, the US, Colombia, Brazil, and the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe. With six additional vessels under construction, TOWT aims to offer weekly departures across its growing fleet by 2027.
A Journey, Not a Cruise
Despite its passenger accommodations, TOWT emphasizes that these vessels are primarily designed for cargo transport rather than luxury cruises. “This is a passage, not a cruise,” Le Grand clarifies, underscoring the ship’s core function.
The cabins are modestly furnished, featuring wooden paneling, bunk or twin beds, a desk, a wardrobe, and porthole windows. While there is a shared common area with bookshelves filled with French literature and other reading material, entertainment is minimal. Passengers can participate in occasional activities such as yoga on the deck or workshops led by crew members on maritime skills, including knot-tying and celestial navigation.
With its innovative approach to sustainable shipping and travel, TOWT is paving the way for a greener future in transatlantic transportation.
