LD Armateurs has completed the installation of six Norsepower mechanical sails on the Spirit of Toulouse. This ship is recognized as the world's first cargo ship equipped with six mechanical sails.
Features of the Spirit of Toulouse
The Spirit of Toulouse, currently under construction in China, is intended for logistics operations for Airbus and is the first of a series of three ships designed to transport large aircraft components between Europe and North America. The installation of the six 35-meter sails was carried out by the Wuchang Shipbuilding Group at a shore-based outfitting center in Shanghai, and the ship is set to begin sea trials soon.
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Reduction of Fuel Consumption and Pollution
LD Armateurs has announced that these six mechanical sails represent the highest number of mechanical sails ever installed on a commercial cargo ship, making this ship the largest RORO vessel with wind propulsion. The wind assist system will operate alongside two dual-fuel main engines and two dual-fuel generator sets capable of running on electronic methanol, bio-methanol, or marine diesel. This combination is designed to reduce fuel consumption and pollution on the transatlantic route of the ship.
Samira Darava, CEO of LD Armateurs, stated: "The Spirit of Toulouse is more than just a new ship. The combination of six mechanical sails and dual methanol propulsion on a ship of this scale is a global achievement."
This ship is the first among three sister ships, followed by the Spirit of Mobile and Spirit of Mirabel, all of which will operate under lease to Airbus. With the installation completed, the sails are now undergoing testing during sea trials and further optimization on the ship's maiden voyage from China to France.
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