Sailing Towards a Greener Future: Carbon-Conscious Travelers Can Now Cross the Atlantic on a Wind-Powered Cargo Ship
A Historic Voyage
The Artemis, the world’s largest wind-powered cargo ship, arrived in New York on Monday after a 32-day journey from Le Havre, France. Aboard were not just 1,000 tons of French goods—including champagne, liqueur, Vilebrequin swimsuits, and Bonne Maman jam—but also four passengers testing a new era of sustainable travel.
This voyage was part of a pilot run by TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT), a French startup pioneering sail-powered cargo shipping. In a bid to offer low-carbon travel, TOWT recently opened passenger cabins on its fleet of sailing cargo vessels, launched in 2023.
A Modern Take on an Ancient Technology
The Artemis and its sister ship, Anemos, are equipped with towering 52-meter (170-foot) carbon masts and an impressive 2,100 square meters (23,000 square feet) of sail surface. These ships cruise at an average of 11 nautical miles per hour, sometimes reaching 17 when conditions are ideal—comparable to fossil-fuel-powered container ships, which average 14 nautical miles per hour.
While the vessels have a backup diesel engine for maneuvering in and out of ports, TOWT estimates that their sail-powered ships reduce CO₂ emissions by over 90% compared to traditional cargo vessels. The environmental impact is even starker when compared to air travel:
“Our carbon footprint is between five and 10 kilos (per person), compared to around a ton of CO₂ if you take a flight from Paris to New York,” explains TOWT’s CEO, Guillaume Le Grand.
Le Grand has observed a growing demand for sustainable travel alternatives, especially from people who wish to avoid flying due to climate concerns. While trains offer a great low-carbon alternative for land travel, there has been no equivalent for transatlantic journeys—until now.
“If you wanted to go to America without carbon emissions two months ago, you had to either swim or take a small sailboat like Greta Thunberg did,” Le Grand jokes. “Now, with us, you can bring your family and travel in comfort.”
A Unique Way to Cross the Atlantic
Each TOWT vessel offers up to six double cabins, where passengers share the ship with seven crew members while hundreds of pallets of goods are stored below deck. Unlike traditional cruises, these voyages are designed as straightforward transatlantic passages rather than luxury leisure trips.
“It’s a passage,” emphasizes Le Grand. “You’re certainly not coming on a cruise vessel.”
Cabins are simple yet comfortable, featuring bunks or twin beds, a desk, a wardrobe, and portholes. Entertainment is minimal—there’s a communal space with bookshelves filled with French classics, occasional workshops on nautical skills, and the option for yoga on deck. However, guests can enjoy a slower pace of life:
- Reading or writing a diary
- Observing marine wildlife from the deck
- Enjoying freshly prepared meals, including seafood
- Staying connected with onboard broadband
With no strict luggage limit, the journey offers a stress-free alternative to air travel. However, flexibility is key—while the France-to-New York route typically takes 15-20 days, weather conditions can extend the trip. On its maiden passenger voyage, exceptionally rough weather pushed the journey to 32 days, whereas a traditional container ship would take about 18.
Cost and Future Plans
For the France-to-New York journey, TOWT currently charges €2,550 ($2,675) per passenger, averaging €150 ($155) per day. As the service develops, prices are expected to rise to €200 ($210) per day. This fee includes accommodation, meals, and internet access.
TOWT plans to launch regular transatlantic services starting in March 2025, connecting France, the U.S., Colombia, Brazil, and Guadeloupe. With six additional vessels under construction, the company aims to offer weekly departures by 2027.
A Niche Market with Growing Interest
While transatlantic sailing isn’t a mainstream travel choice yet, interest in lower-carbon travel is rising. Tim Williamson, joint managing director of Responsible Travel (an agency specializing in eco-friendly holidays), notes a 48% increase in rail holiday inquiries over the past three years.
“People are looking for experiences that deepen their connection with culture, wildlife, and landscapes,” he says.
TOWT’s service fills a crucial gap: most intercontinental cargo ships no longer take passengers, and the few existing transatlantic options—such as Cunard’s luxury cruises—leave a significant carbon footprint. Other sailing ventures, like Another World Adventures and Voyage Vert, remain limited or still in early development.
Since announcing the service, TOWT has received inquiries from over 1,500 people—including climate-conscious travelers, sailing enthusiasts, and cargo owners who want employees to document their products’ low-carbon journey.
While passenger service is expected to make up just 4% of TOWT’s revenue, the initiative is more about climate impact than profit, says Le Grand.
Decarbonizing Shipping: The Bigger Picture
TOWT’s mission goes beyond passenger travel. The global shipping industry contributes 3% of human-caused emissions, and while alternative fuels and wind-assisted technologies are emerging, progress has been slow.
Founded in 2011, TOWT aims to prove that wind-powered shipping is a viable alternative—particularly for non-refrigerated, high-end goods like coffee, olive oil, wine, and spirits. Companies using TOWT’s service can label their products with the “Anemos” stamp, a QR-coded certification indicating they were transported via sail-powered cargo ship.
“It’s like buying organic,” says Le Grand. “You might pay more, but you know it’s better for your health and the planet.”
However, TOWT’s customer base is expanding beyond luxury markets. Companies like Orange Telecom have shipped electronics, while aircraft and car manufacturers have sent components. Rising freight costs and stricter emissions regulations are pushing businesses toward sustainable transport solutions.
At present, TOWT’s fleet carries 2,000 tons of goods, a small dent in global shipping emissions. However, Le Grand hopes that by proving sail-powered shipping can be both practical and profitable, it will inspire wider adoption of low-carbon maritime transport.
The Future of Sail-Powered Travel
TOWT’s innovative approach revives an old, time-tested method of crossing the Atlantic while responding to modern sustainability concerns. Whether for cargo or passengers, the company is charting a course toward a greener future.
For those with time, flexibility, and a desire to travel sustainably, the age of wind-powered ocean crossings may just be beginning.
