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Carbon-conscious travelers can now sail across the Atlantic in a wind-powered cargo ship

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: French startup TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT) has launched a wind-powered cargo ship offering passenger cabins for carbon-conscious travelers
The ship, Artemis, recently completed a 32-day journey from France to New York, reducing CO2 emissions by over 90% compared to fossil-fuel-powered cargo vessels
This marks a significant step in sustainable transatlantic travel and shipping

🔭 The context: With growing demand for low-carbon travel, TOWT identified a market gap for eco-friendly ocean crossings
Each ship carries up to 1,000 tons of goods and offers simple accommodations for passengers, with six double cabins available per voyage
By 2027, the company plans to expand its fleet to offer weekly departures between Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The shipping industry contributes 3% of global emissions, and wind-powered vessels offer a viable alternative to fossil-fuel-powered transport
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to decarbonize shipping and reduce aviation emissions
The project also appeals to eco-conscious businesses looking to transport goods with a lower carbon footprint

⏭️ What's next: TOWT aims to scale operations, with six more ships under construction and expanded routes planned
Passenger fares are expected to rise as the service is refined, but demand remains strong, with over 1,500 people expressing interest
If successful, this model could pave the way for wider adoption of wind-powered commercial shipping and travel

💬 One quote: “If you wanted to go to America without carbon emissions, you had to swim or take a small sailboat. Now, you can come with your family and stay in really decent cabins.” — Guillaume Le Grand, TOWT CEO

📈 One stat: TOWT’s ships cut CO2 emissions by more than 90% compared to fossil-fuel-powered cargo vessels

Click for more news covering the latest on carbon and sustainable tourism

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