Canopée ("Canopy") is a French freighter ship that is the first sail-assisted container 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 Center in Kourou, in South America. It made its first trans-Atlantic crossing in December 2022.[2]
The ship is equipped with four Oceanwings - articulated and automated wings of 363m² each.[3] The wind-powered element reduces the carbon impact, depending on weather conditions, and is considered a pioneer in the energy transition of maritime transport.[4]
The ship was owned by Jifmar Guyane, designed by VPLP Design, constructed by Partner Stocznia shipyard in Szczecin in Poland and by Neptune marine in the Netherlands.[5] Oceanwings sails are designed, engineered and manufactured by OceanWings (previously Ayro) in Caen France.