Windcoop Orders World’s First Wind-Powered Container Vessel from RMK Marine
French activist shipping company Windcoop has placed an order for what it hails as the world’s first wind-powered container vessel, to be built at RMK Marine shipyard in Tuzla, Türkiye.
According to RMK Marine, the wind-powered open hatch boxship will operate on a route between Madagascar and France. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the vessel expected to hit the seas in May 2027.
The ship will measure 91.3 meters in length and feature a range of eco-friendly solutions, according to the shipyard’s representatives. Windcoop has confirmed that the vessel will be powered by three asymmetrical 350-square-meter wingsails, manufactured by French company Computed Wing Sail (CWS).
Thanks to this wind propulsion technology, the vessel is projected to achieve a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to conventional cargo ships.
Windcoop representatives stated that the total project cost is estimated at €28.5 million (approximately $31.3 million). Of that amount, €6.8 million has already been raised through equity, with the remainder expected to be secured via a structured loan and a counter-guarantee from domestic banks.
In addition, Windcoop is planning to build a second unit to expand its network. The design study for this follow-up vessel is reportedly already in progress.
France has emerged as one of the most active nations in the field of wind-assisted shipping, with its maritime companies increasingly embracing this green technology, especially in 2024.
For example, French sailing freight transport company TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT) christened its first sailing cargo vessel, Anemos, and laid the keel for its third vessel, Atlantis, in November 2024. By December, TOWT had also taken delivery of Artemis, the second ship in the series.
Meanwhile, RMK Marine achieved a related milestone in January 2025, unveiling the Neoliner Origin—described as the world’s first commercial sailing roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel. The 136-meter-long newbuild was constructed for French shipping company Neoline.
Construction of Neoliner Origin began in November 2023, and the vessel is expected to become fully operational by summer 2025.
