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

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🗞️ 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

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