Canopée’s Sail‑Assisted Technology Delivers Significant Fuel Savings
The hybrid roll‑on/roll‑off vessel Canopée, outfitted with four automated OceanWings rigid sails, has confirmed major fuel efficiency gains after two years in service. Owned by Alizés—a joint venture between Jifmar Offshore and Zéphyr & Borée—and built by Neptune Shipyard, Canopée was launched in June 2022 and began trials late that year.
In its routine transatlantic and intra‑European voyages transporting Ariane 6 rocket components, the vessel achieved average fuel savings of 1.3 tonnes per sail per day, equivalent to roughly 300 kW of power. With all four sails in use, the ship typically saves approximately 5.2 tonnes of fuel per day, cutting CO₂ emissions by around 20.8 tonnes daily. That translates to a 30–35 % reduction in fuel consumption under standard operating conditions.
In more favorable conditions, especially during recent transatlantic crossings, Canopée recorded average savings up to 2.2 tonnes per sail per day—about 2 MW total equivalent engine power saved—with peak speeds reaching 13.7 knots under sail power alone. Reliability has been strong, with system availability at 99.6 % over the two years.
The innovative wing sails stand approximately 37 m tall with a surface area of 363 m² each and can rotate 360°, collapse, and adjust camber through automated flaps to optimize wind capture. OceanWings’ software and AI continually refine sail performance.
Sustainable shipping is critical: over 90 % of global trade moves by sea, and the maritime industry contributes around 3 % of global greenhouse gas emissions. Canopée demonstrates that wind‑assisted propulsion can be a practical, reliable, and cost‑effective method to reduce emissions.
With a payback period estimated at under five years and continuous software improvements boosting fuel savings, OceanWings plans to expand its deployment across larger cargo fleets, including tankers and container ships. The success of Canopée paves the way for broader adoption of wind‑assisted propulsion systems, reinforcing the shift toward greener shipping.
Canopée is the first large‑scale example of a wind‑assisted industrial cargo vessel delivering consistent, measurable results. With sustainable fuel savings, robust operational performance, and demonstrated reliability, it sets a precedent for global fleet decarbonisation efforts.
