The transport of goods by sail, an effective ecological solution

90% of the world's transport of goods essentially passes through the oceans. This sector accounts for approximately 3% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, without taking into account discharges of sulfur dioxide and fine particles. It would be responsible for 60,000 premature deaths in Europe, according to a 2015 survey by the University of Rostock. A figure that could be multiplied because the activity should increase by 50% to 250% by 2050, according to the scenarios of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Against this global scourge, players in France are mobilizing to revive sailing freight. This ecological solution is particularly effective since it reduces CO2 emissions by 90%.

“We charter existing boats with the capacity to transport 10, 200 or 300 tonnes of goods,” says Guillaume Le Grand, president of the shipping company Towt, for TransOceanic Wind Transport, which specializes in sailing trips. The company, created in 2009, relies on a fleet of four old rigs measuring 20 to 40 meters to reach England, Portugal, Scandinavia or cross the Atlantic.

To distinguish and enhance the goods transported by the force of the air, the group created the Anemos label (which means “the wind” in ancient Greek). This logo is affixed to the products which are also flocked, each one, with a travel number. “We provide information on the route taken by the product and its carbon footprint, in complete transparency. We thus offer complete traceability to consumers who can also know which cooperative the cocoa beans come from, for example”, specifies Guillaume Le Grand.

To listen to in the Spirit of Initiative on France Inter

Chocolate bars, packets of coffee, bottles of rum, tea bags... are thus transported and labelled. The products are then sold via Towt's online store or directly in its store located in Douarnenez in Brittany. Above all, the start-up carries products for other groups such as the Biocoop organic products store chain for Portuguese wine, beer or olive oil. The idea appeals to restaurateurs, retailers and even large Cac 40 groups. achieved a turnover of 300,000 euros (339,772 dollars) last year.

“In 2016, we transported 120 tonnes of products then 180 tonnes in 2017 and 220 tonnes last year”, explains the manager. The company has thus saved 300 tonnes of greenhouse gases. “It's still low, but we are the only ones to offer neutral figures in maritime transport. We are doing our part,” says Guillaume Le Grand.

Even if the activity is growing, it remains indeed a drop in the bucket compared to the 10.5 billion tonnes of freight which transited on more than 5,000 container ships last year. However, the leader believes that his concept is validated and that his solution is economically viable. According to his calculations, freight by sail has a slightly higher cost than conventional transport. Result, the products are sold a little more expensive, "for example around 10 euro cents more per bottle of wine", confides Guillaume Le Grand.

Innovative sailing cargo ships soon on the oceans

With his model, the entrepreneur sees bigger. He engaged in the construction of a modern sailboat. The future three-mast, which should set sail at the end of 2021, will measure 67 meters and will be able to carry 1,000

tons of cargo, at a cruising speed of 11 knots. It will thus be twice as fast as the old rigs currently chartered by Towt and will sail at a speed similar to that of current polluting freighters. "Once in the water, the Sailboat-Cargo will save more than 10,000 tonnes of CO2 per year and more than 300,000 tonnes over its lifespan", calculates Guillaume Le Grand.

Towt is not the only group to invest in sailing cargo. The French company Grain de Sail, which manufactures and markets chocolate and coffee, has launched the construction of a ship which, twice a year, will cross the Atlantic by sail to bring back up to 35 tonnes of goods. In addition, the Nantaise Neoline, which develops sailing and wind-powered cargo ships, goes even further. At the end of the year, the start-up signed a three-year partnership with Renault to transport vehicles to the Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon archipelago, south of the Canadian island of Newfoundland in America. North. This agreement provides for the construction of two ro-ro cargo ships, 136 meters long, propelled by sail to cross the Atlantic and relaunch freight by sail. This solution is a way for the automaker to achieve its goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 25% between 2010 and 2022.

It's a safe bet that the sailing cargo sector will continue to develop. In fact, last year, the International Maritime Organization announced the signing of an agreement to reduce CO2 emissions from maritime transport by "at least 50%" by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. Using the force of the wind to reduce CO2 emissions, as well as air and ocean pollution, remains the most effective solution… However, the sector must invent a new economic model.

This article is published as part of Earth Beats, an international and collaborative initiative bringing together 18 media from around the world, including Figaro Demain , around solutions to waste and pollution.

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