We are putting transport into the ethical equation with a zero-emissions low-impact cargo sailing ship that can access goods where they are produced.

Shipping may be the most energy-efficient mode of cargo transport, but small ships transporting less than 4% of world cargo contribute 26% of all shipping emissions. Larger ships are making waterborne transport less expensive but at what cost? Most developing countries don’t have the infrastructure to handle these “sea giants” and are thus cut out of the world trade market.

Shipping in general is responsible for 3.3-4.5% of all CO2, 14-15% of global NOx and l6% of global SOx emissions.

Advances in racing technology give us the tools to design a boat that is fast, light, and able to sail close to the wind, allowing us to open up sailing trade routes that have not existed in modern times. We are applying cutting-edge, ecologically-conceived designs to ancient transport boats of the south Pacific – the newest of everything – from energy recuperation systems to lightweight, strong, low-impact materials will be utilised.

Eco shallow-draft multi-hull boat.

This boat can handle rough oceanic weather, is extremely rapid and highly manoeuvrable. Its shallow draft and double hulls allow it to navigate shallow river estuaries and to beach close to where goods are produced. This means we can access goods even in places where there are no roads.

Its ability to load and offload anywhere, from a major port to a beach, permits point-to-point shipping, giving remote communities direct access to world trade and minimising the need for road transport at both ends.

Low impact, low tech and low cost!

Maintaining its low impact throughout its life cycle, our eco boat will be built of sustainably-sourced, biodegradable natural materials. Minimum technology makes it inexpensive to build and simple to repair and therefore accessible to people in developing countries. These qualities make it the perfect boat for sailing between Europe and Africa. Our development projects on the westernmost coast of Africa make this an ideal solution for its region of forests, rivers and estuaries, rich in natural resources, yet cut off from external markets.

Preserving fragile mangrove ecosystems.

Coastal communities rely on fish as their main source of protein and as a large part of their income; dried fish is shipped all over the interior of Africa. Fish breed and sprats mature in these estuaries. The blue carbon solution: mangroves sequester carbon up to 100 times faster and more permanently than terrestrial forests. Dredging presents both an environmental and an economic disaster for these communities. Because this boat has no engine or propellers, it will not disturb the fragile mangrove ecosystem. Its shallow draft means there is no need to dredge for a port.

PraoCargo

The above graphic helps us imagine the future of cargo transport by sail. Advances in racing technology permit us to conceive of boats like this PraoCargo. Propelled by one self-trimming sail, this 60-metre giant is energy autonomous thanks to a combination of solar, wind, and hydraulic energy. Extremely rapid and highly manoeuvrable, the PraoCargo has a low draft which enables it to navigate shallow rivers and small ports. The double hull allows it to beach in remote areas, giving access to products at points of production.

These qualities make it the perfect boat for sailing between Europe and Africa.