Canopée is a French sail-assisted freighter ship.[1] Laid down in 2019 and launched in 2022, it is designed specifically to transport elements of the Ariane 6 rocket from European ports to the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, South America. It made its first trans-Atlantic crossing in December 2022.[2]
The ship is owned by Jifmar Guyane, designed by VPLP Design, and was constructed by Partner Stocznia shipyard in Szczecin, Poland, and Neptune marine, Netherlands.[3] Oceanwings sails are designed, engineered and manufactured by OceanWings (previously Ayro) in Caen France.
The ship is equipped with four Oceanwings. Oceanwings are articulated and automated sails of 363m² each.[4] The cargo ship has a diesel engine and the wind-powered Oceanwings can cut fuel consumption of the engine in half.[5] The Canopée is considered a pioneer in the energy transition of maritime transport.[6]