In a world increasingly focused on reducing carbon footprints, carbon-conscious travelers now have an exciting new option: sailing across the Atlantic aboard a wind-powered cargo ship. The Artemis, touted as the world’s largest cargo ship with sails, recently docked in New York after completing a 32-day journey from Les Havre, France. The ship unloaded a unique array of goods, from French liqueur to high-end Vilebrequin swimsuits, all while offering an eco-friendly alternative for transatlantic travel.
This pioneering voyage is part of a new service offered by TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT), a French startup committed to reducing the carbon footprint of shipping. For the first time, passengers can book cabins aboard a fleet of cargo ships, which were inaugurated last year, to travel in a more sustainable way across the Atlantic.
The vessels in TOWT’s fleet feature impressive 52-meter-tall carbon masts and a massive 2,100 square meters of sail surface. These ships can travel at an average speed of 11 nautical miles per hour, sometimes reaching 17 knots when the wind is favorable. While this speed is slightly slower than that of conventional engine-powered container ships, which average 14 nautical miles per hour, the environmental benefits are profound. TOWT estimates that their ships reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 90% compared to their fossil fuel-powered counterparts.
For those seeking to avoid the emissions of air travel, this wind-powered service provides a stark contrast to the high carbon footprint of flying. According to TOWT’s CEO, Guillaume Le Grand, the carbon footprint of a transatlantic sailing journey is just a fraction of that produced by a flight. For example, while air travel from Paris to New York may emit around a ton of CO2 per passenger, the sailing trip generates only five to ten kilograms of CO2 per person.
As more people are choosing alternatives to flying in response to climate change concerns, TOWT identified a growing demand for low-carbon transatlantic travel options. While trains are a popular option for shorter journeys, the market for carbon-conscious transatlantic routes remained largely untapped. Before TOWT’s service, options were limited to small sailboats, such as the one used by Greta Thunberg for her 2019 voyage to New York, or the rare freight ships that occasionally offered passenger cabins.
Now, passengers can book up to six double cabins on each of TOWT’s ships. While the cabins are functional offering twin beds, a desk, a wardrobe, and portholes guests share the ship with a small crew and hundreds of pallets of cargo. The company plans to extend its services with regular routes between France, the U.S., Colombia, Brazil, and Guadeloupe starting in March. By 2027, TOWT hopes to offer weekly departures with a larger fleet of ships.
However, it’s important to note that the ships’ primary purpose is still cargo transport. These are not cruise ships but rather an opportunity to experience an adventure while contributing to a greener world. Although passengers can enjoy some leisurely activities like yoga on the deck or attend marine workshops, the focus remains on the journey itself and the opportunity to connect with the sea and the ship’s crew.
Currently, TOWT offers a France-to-New York journey for €2,550 ($2,675), which works out to around €150 ($155) per day. This includes accommodation, meals, and internet access, though the price may rise to about €200 ($210) per day once the service is fully optimized. Travelers must also be flexible with their schedules, as journeys typically take between 15 and 20 days, with the possibility of delays due to weather conditions.
The cost may seem high compared to conventional air travel, but the added benefit is the ability to travel without a luggage limit, and with a considerably lower carbon footprint. The slower pace also allows passengers to unwind, read, and observe the marine fauna, making it a unique experience for those looking to slow down.
While the two ships currently in operation only carry a small amount of goods—2,000 tons—compared to the massive volumes transported by conventional cargo ships, TOWT’s focus on decarbonizing the shipping industry is an essential part of the conversation. The shipping sector accounts for about 3% of global carbon emissions, and despite efforts to develop alternative fuels and wind-assisted technologies, progress has been slow.
By proving that sailing is a viable and sustainable option for certain types of cargo, TOWT is demonstrating that a low-carbon shipping future is possible. The company’s innovative approach is appealing to businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprint, as well as to environmentally conscious consumers who want to support sustainable transport options.
TOWT has already received interest from over 1,500 people keen on experiencing this low-carbon journey, with some hoping to travel for adventure, others motivated by environmental concerns, and some cargo owners interested in tracking their goods across the Atlantic. With further expansion on the horizon, TOWT aims to help make wind-powered shipping a more mainstream, sustainable alternative.
As the world moves toward cleaner, greener travel options, TOWT’s wind-powered cargo ships are a symbol of how innovative solutions can transform industries and reduce our collective impact on the planet. Whether for business or leisure, these vessels offer a glimpse of what a low-carbon future could look like for global transport.
