Grain de Sail, a France-based a company specializing in sustainable maritime logistics, has revealed plans for its third cargo sailboat, the Grain de Sail III. The 360-foot container ship is scheduled to launch in 2027, with the capacity to carry 200 containers and up to 3,000 metric tons of cargo. It is expected to cross the Atlantic in approximately 13 days, operating with over 90% reduced carbon emissions.
The vessel will feature three masts equipped with 4,000 m² of sails, retractable daggerboards for improved maneuverability, and high-grade insulation to minimize energy consumption. Hydrogenation technology will generate onboard energy without emissions, and a wood pellet boiler will provide heating and hot water for the crew.
Grain de Sail's earlier cargo ships have provided operational insights that will guide the development of this project. The company aims to expand wind-powered logistics between Europe and the U.S., focusing on the transport of goods such as coffee, chocolate, and organic raw materials.
Founded in 2013, Grain de Sail began as a coffee roaster and chocolatier. In 2020, it added maritime operations to its business, exporting French products and importing cocoa and coffee from Latin America. With this new vessel, the company seeks to enhance sustainable shipping practices while growing its presence in the U.S. and European markets.
